Pistons vs. Thunder: Preview, best bets, predictions, and odds
Detroit and Oklahoma City meet Monday night in a matchup between the best three-point shooting defensive team and the best three-point shooting team in the NBA. Odds show the high-scoring Thunder as the favorites.
The Detroit Pistons are a different team than we’ve seen in the last few years. New head coach Monty Williams’ message seems to have broken through. The young Pistons are buying into using their boundless energy on defense first. As a result, the team is 2-1, and hasn’t allowed more than 103 points this season.
NBA bettors have many options for parlays and other wagers. DraftKings Sportsbook promo offer is Bet $5, Get $200 Instantly + A No Sweat SGP Every Day This Season (New Users only).
Be mindful of the O/U: it may be tempting to bet the UNDER seeing as how the Pistons are limiting opponents in their long-range shooting. But, OKC can let the ball fly from beyond the arc with great accuracy. This is more likely to be a game where Detroit is chasing its opponent by playing a game it’s not comfortable with. Detroit is currently a +6 betting underdog on FanDuel Sportsbook.
It’s only been three games, and it might be a case of “sample size” being too small, but the Detroit defense has been remarkable in three games. Opponents are shooting only 42.6% from two-point range. That means the Pistons are harassing opposing players in the paint, and contesting every layup. That style of defensive intensity annoys opposing teams, it’s annoying. The Williams Era Pistons are striving to be pests. So far, it’s working. If the roster can maintain a commitment to defense (which takes far more discipline than playing offense), the Pistons can inch up the standings in the Eastern Conference. That’s what fans and Michigan basketball bettors are hoping for.
It’s the gunslingers vs the lawmen: the long-range shooting Thunder (NBA-best 49.2% in 3-pt shooting) against the Pistons, who allow the third-fewest points in the league. This will also be a test for the Thunder’s front court, who will be challenged to keep bodies on Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, and yes even Ausar Thompson, a rather slender small forward, but who averages 10 boards a game. The Pistons do some things few NBA teams try: namely to swing the ball in and out, and in again to take advantage of physical mismatches.
On Monday, the Pistons will be tasked with physically hounding the Thunder on the perimeter to keep the score low where they like it.
We crafted this two-leg parlay using the mobile sportsbook from FanDuel Sportsbook.
- Thunder To Win
- Total OVER 227.5
Odds are +170 on this SGP.
- Swishes: 0
- Airballs: 2
- Bankroll: -$200
If you haven’t learned to pronounce Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, do it. The OKC star is on his way to a second straight season averaging 30+ points, and with his shooting skill, he could win the scoring title. Williams has to be proud of how far Detroit’s defense has improved, but they won’t be able to stop the undefeated Thunder in OKC.
Think you know Lions football? Play the MLive.com Prop Bet Showdown for a chance to win prizes!
Sidelines Group provides MLive with original sports betting, lottery and casino content including odds, analysis, predictions and reviews to educate bettors. Please bet responsibly.
If you have a gambling problem and are located in Michigan, call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-270-7117 or you can visit the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s website at https://www.michigan.gov/mgcb.
