Oklahoma City Thunder (31-13) vs. Detroit Pistons (5-39)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Detroit Pistons 1/28/24 – The Oklahoma City Thunder, boasting an impressive 31-13 record, are set to face off against the struggling Detroit Pistons, who are at a dire 5-39, this Sunday. This matchup presents a stark contrast in team fortunes and will be a focal point for NBA daily predictions. The game is scheduled to take place at Little Caesars Arena, providing the Pistons with home-court advantage, albeit against a team that has shown formidable strength throughout the season.
The Thunder’s season has been marked by strong performances, averaging 121.9 points per game on offense – one of the highest-scoring averages in the league – while boasting an efficient 50.5% field goal percentage and 39.2% from beyond the arc. Such offensive prowess was balanced out with impressive defensive efforts that produced 8.3 steals and 6.5 blocks per game; making them a true double threat on both ends of the floor.
At 5-39, Detroit is clearly in rebuilding mode, as evidenced by their record. Yet despite these difficulties, flashes of potential have emerged – particularly their scoring ability; averaging 112.5 points per game while their 47.2% field goal percentage indicates shots are being taken and made fairly efficiently; unfortunately though defensive lapses and high turnover rates (15 per game) leave them vulnerable and hinder their ability to close out games effectively.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Detroit Pistons 1/28/24 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, January 28, 2024 at 2:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Little Caesars Arena |
| TV: | BSDET |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG) vs. Bojan Bogdanov (SF)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken a leap this season, cementing himself as one of the best young guards in the NBA. He’s averaging career highs in points (31.1), rebounds (5.6), and assists (6.4) while shooting efficiently from all three levels. SGA has great size and length for a lead guard, allowing him to finish well at the rim and shoot over smaller defenders. His much improved playmaking and low turnover rate have also been hugely impactful for the Thunder’s elite offense this season.
Bojan Bogdanovic has been scoring at a high level for the Pistons, averaging 20.2 points per game and shooting 44/36/89 splits. His versatile scoring ability and shooting prowess help open things up for Detroit’s offense. Bogdanovic has also been solid when isolated, ranking in the 84th percentile in isolation scoring efficiency this season per Synergy stats. He’ll look to continue his efficient scoring, but could have difficulties with Gilgeous-Alexander’s length and athleticism on the defensive end.
This matchup will pit one of the most dynamic young guards in SGA against a crafty veteran scorer in Bogdanovic. Gilgeous-Alexander’s two-way impact gives him a slight edge, but Bogdanovic’s shooting makes him a constant threat to put up points. Ultimately, SGA’s playmaking gravity and activity on defense should overwhelm Bogdanovic in this matchup.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be determined, but given the Thunder’s impressive record and the Pistons’ struggles, it’s likely that Oklahoma City will enter as significant favorites. Bettors will need to consider the Thunder’s strong road record against the spread and the Pistons’ recent success in covering, despite their overall record.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Trends
The Thunder have been excellent against the spread recently, covering in 3 of their last 5 games. They also have a strong 13-8 ATS record on the road this season. The Thunder have seen the total go OVER in 3 of their last 5 overall. With this game’s total set so high at 224, the trends indicate there’s value on the OVER.
Detroit Pistons Betting Trends
Despite their terrible straight up record, the Pistons have actually covered spreads well lately, going 5-0 ATS over their last 5 contests. They also have an impressive 10-11 home ATS record this season. With Detroit likely to lose big again here, the spread trends favor a Pistons cover. The total has gone OVER for them in 3 of their last 5 as well.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Detroit Pistons 1/28/24 Betting Picks
Considering the Thunder’s dominance and the Pistons’ struggles, the prediction leans heavily in favor of Oklahoma City. However, Detroit’s recent knack for covering the spread adds an interesting dimension to the betting landscape. The Thunder’s high-scoring offense against the Pistons’ less consistent defense suggests a game that could see a lot of points on the board.
For those looking into prop bets, considering Gilgeous-Alexander for points scored or Bogdanov for three-pointers made could provide value, given their key roles in their respective teams. When it comes to over/under, the Thunder’s tendency for high-scoring games might tilt the scales towards an OVER.
This prediction aligns with the Thunder’s scoring averages and their defensive capabilities to contain the Pistons, alongside the leading handicapper predictions that favor strong offensive teams in mismatched matchups.
Free Pick and Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder 125, Detroit Pistons 108.