Thunder vs. Pistons: Pregame Primer
vs.
OKC Thunder (5-2, 1-1 road) vs. Detroit Pistons (0-7, 0-1 home)
TV: FS OK (Cox 37, HD 722, Tulsa Cox 27, DirectTV 679, UVerse 754)
Stream: Click here
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 97.1 FM Tulsa)
Time: 6:30 CT
Offensive Rating: Thunder – 106.1 (7th), Pistons– 99.3 (22nd)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 97.8 (5th), Pistons – 111.8 (29th)
Pace: Thunder – 94.4 (6th), Pistons – 92.0 (22nd)
View from the enemy: Piston Powered
Scott Brooks made a good point after the Cavs game Sunday that it’s a pretty nice break to get to play the only two games against the Pistons so close together. They’ve only had one game since OKC played them meaning nothing is going to really change in the scouting report. In terms of preparation, there really shouldn’t be much to it. And not just because the Pistons stink.
I think I’m applying the same logic here. The Pistons are still the Pistons and there isn’t anything all that earth-shattering about this matchup. I get a small feeling that it might not be a cakewalk because OKC’s coming off a game last night, just traveled and is playing an embarrassed, winless team. The Pistons are desperate to get on the board and would love to do it by beating the Western Conference champs.
Detroit coming in: Last played in Houston on Saturday, losing to the Rockets.
Three Big Things
1. Keep defending. You know how I’ve been waxing on about it not seeming like the Thunder have played all that well? Well, they’ve won anyway and the reason for it is, they’re defending extremely well. You can get away with meh performances and win when you defend.
2. Keep moving. The ball movement and spacing was really good against the Cavs Sunday and it’s clear the Thunder are improved in that area. Better ball movement and spacing creates better shots, which make percentages go up. Some nights you’ll go cold, but the idea with having good players is they do it way less. And the Thunder have good players.
3. Keep winning. A four game winning streak is cool. You know what’s even cooler? A five game winning streak.
Tip at 6:30 CT. Go Don’t Lose.
