OKC Thunder vs. Detroit Pistons, 2019-20 team preview

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OKC Thunder team previews: A behind the scenes photo of Reggie Jackson #1 of the nd Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The OKC Thunder swept the Detroit Pistons last season yet both teams suffered early playoff exits. With drastically different offseasons we assess how the teams compare this season.

Coach of the Year Dwane Casey landed in Detroit and brought his no-nonsense attitude with him to the Motor City. In many ways, Casey entered a strikingly similar situation as the one he began in Toronto. All-Star level talent was on hand although instead of a backcourt duo Casey inherited a frontcourt duo.

In his first season at the helm, Casey coached the Pistons to a draw landing the last seed in the East for which they were quickly dispensed via a sweep by the Bucks.

The Pistons 41 wins came courtesy of relatively healthy seasons from two of their historically injury-prone core. Reggie Jackson averaged 48.5 games in each of his last two campaigns but played in all 82 games for the first time in his career. Blake Griffin appeared in 75 games, his most since the 2013-14 season after averaging 51.3 games in his past three seasons.

Griffin delivered as the lone elite talent amassing his best overall season arguably in his career which earned him an All-Star nod. Unfortunately, the wear and tear of not having other star talents around him took a toll as he hobbled into the playoffs.

The Basics:

2018-19 Record: 41-41

Playoff Seed: eighth seed, swept by Milwaukee Bucks in the first round

Head Coach: Dwane Casey begins his second season as the bench boss.

Points per game: Ranked 25th (107.0) | Opponent points per game: Ranked 7th (107.3)

Pace: Ranked 28th (97.4) | Offensive Rating: Ranked 21st (109.0) | Defensive Rating: Ranked 11th (109.2)

Vegas Odds:

Win-Loss: 37.5 games
Odds to NBA Title: +20488
Odds to Win Conference: +8890

* Odds courtesy of The Action Network.

Last season the OKC Thunder swept the season series against the Detroit Pistons as they did with so many of the Eastern Conference clubs. Next up, let’s look at the offseason changes made by the Pistons and review what to expect when the team’s tipoff versus each other twice in this 2019-20 season.

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