Wednesday’s six-game NBA slate is headlined by a doubleheader on ESPN. It offers tips on the battle between the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder and the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons. Oklahoma City is 45-14 and riding a three-game winning streak; Detroit is 42-14 but looking to bounce back from the loss to San Antonio.
Let’s get into my Thunder vs. Pistons.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Detroit Pistons odds
Money line: Thunder +176 / Pistons -210
Spread: Thunder +5.5 (-112) / Pistons -5.5 (-108)
Total: Over 218.5 (-115) / Under 218.5 (-105)
Best bets for Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Detroit Pistons: Pistons -5.5 (-108)
This is obviously a preview of a possible NBA Finals. However, this game probably won’t be anything like what we’ll see in the playoffs. In fact, don’t be surprised if the Thunder’s level of effort on Wednesday is more like that of the teams sitting in the barrels who are putting themselves in a position to get the top pick in the 2026 draft. That doesn’t mean Oklahoma City will absolutely score in this game from the get-go, but it could wave the white flag sooner rather than later if the deficit starts to grow.
OKC is on the road, in the second leg of a streak, going up against the best team in the East, and they’ve lost two of their best players. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been out at least one game with a stomach problem. Jalen Williams is dealing with a hamstring injury and won’t be back until March at the earliest. Ajay Mitchell used to get a lot of playing time with SGA and Williams on the shelf, but Mitchell (midfielder) has also been sidelined (expected to miss at least a few more games).
Oklahoma City is still playing decent basketball and was able to beat Toronto on Tuesday night, but its early season dominance is a thing of the past — at least until Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams return. OKC is just 8-6 in their last 14 contests. The Pistons, on the other hand, are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games and 5-1 ATS in their last six. Jalen Duren is coming off consecutive double-doubles since returning from his two-game suspension (26 points and 13 boards against the Bulls, 25 points and 14 boards against the Spurs).
