Thunder vs Pistons: Pregame Primer

Ryan Woods -

vs.

Thunder (6-13, 2-8 road) vs. Pistons (3-17, 2-9 home)

TV: FS Oklahoma
Stream:  Click here
Radio:  WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 1300 AM The Buzz Tulsa)
Time: 5:00 CT

Offensive Rating: Thunder – 100.5 (28th), Pistons – 99.5 (29th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 102.5 (7th), Pistons – 106.6 (18th)

The Thunder took care of business against the Sixers Friday night and look to get things rolling further in the right direction tonight against the struggling Pistons. Detroit is now 3-17 and has dropped all 11 games since its overtime win in Oklahoma City back on Nov. 14. And here’s some more sads for Stan Van Gundy and the Pistons, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook won’t be in suits this time around.

The Matchup

The Pistons most recent defeat came in overtime against the Boston Celtics where the Pistons scored one point in the extra five-minute period. Brandon Jennings, who torched Oklahoma City for 29 points on Nov. 14, is having a December to forget thus far. Jennings is averaging 6.3 points on 4-of-31 shooting (12.9 percent) in three games so far this month. He was 0 for 11 while scoring one point in a 109-102 overtime loss in Boston Wednesday.

Detroit comes in scoring just 93.1 points per game (3rd worst in the league). If there’s a team for Oklahoma City to re-find itself defensively against it’s this Pistons team. Both Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond led Detroit to a 55-42 rebounding advantage against the Thunder which Brooks alluded to as a key in that loss. Ibaka and Adams can put a stamp on this game by keeping those two off the glass and limiting the Pistons to one shot down the floor.

Kevin Durant is clearly working himself back into these games and at times he moves around like someone that doesn’t trust the cuts and moves that he wants to make. He’ll be on another restriction of 30 minutes and who knows — tonight could be The Reaper’s return.

Jeremy Lamb scored a career-high 24 points and grabbed 10 boards against Detroit at the Peake. His elevated play over the last few games has been a big time lift off the bench and it’s earning him crunch-time minutes like the ones we saw him get on Friday. Lamb’s value to this team had been called into question by so many (including me), and he’s done nothing but answer the bell. Good on him.

Friday’s COTN: “Ah, KD instead of Lance Thomas. Yes.” – @Divine Mortal

Brooks for Coach of the Year.

Tip at 5:00 CT. Go winning streak.