OKC Thunder vs. Detroit Pistons, 2019-20 team preview
Contract Situation by category:
Guaranteed: Blake Griffin, Andre Drummond, Reggie Jackson, Tony Snell, Langston Galloway, Derrick Rose, Luke Kennard, Thon Maker, Sekou Doumbouya, Markieff Morris,
Khyri Thomas, Bruce Brown, Svi Mykhailiuk
Non/Partial Guaranteed: Christian Wood | Joe Johnson
Two-Way Contracts: Jordan Bone | Louis King
Unsigned or on Exhibit 10: Deividas Sirvydas | Donta Hall | Todd Withers
Thunder performance vs. Pistons in 2018-19
Detroit was yet another Eastern Conference team the Thunder swept easily this past season.
December 3, 2018, OKC Thunder at Detroit Pistons, Win: 110 – 83
Adams 21 points, Griffin 20 points
April 5, 2018, OKC Thunder versus Detroit Pistons, Win: 123 – 110
George 30 points, Griffin 45 points
Unsurprisingly Blake Griffin led the way for the Pistons in both matches while Steven Adams took the honor in game one and Paul George in game 2 for the Thunder.
Pistons Games versus OKC Thunder in 2019-20:
Away Game: Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. EST
Home Game: Friday, February 7, 2020, at 8:00 p.m. EST
Marquee matchup: Blake Griffin versus whoever replaces Gallo after his trade
What to expect in the two matches versus Pistons this season:
In a stroke of luck for the Pistons, both meetings fall on the other side of the trade deadline with the first occurring the day after. That’s significant because Danilo Gallinari will likely be dispensed the day prior (if not sooner) and he is the perfect matchup for Blake Griffin to keep him occupied offensively.
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After the sweep of last season, it’s hard to determine how this season will go particularly since both games fall after the deadline. The Pistons may experience a minor improvement offensively from their 21st placement a season ago but they’ll need a career season from Jackson and significant improvements from someone not named Drummond or Griffin. To expect that from Rose or Johnson on a nightly basis is unwise.
Likewise, Casey will need someone to have a career-best season such as Luke Kennard or Tony Snell. Without one of them stepping up offensively, the Thunder should be able to shut down the Pistons with their stellar defense.
Once again, due to the timing of the matches, it’s hard to know who’ll be suiting up come February 7th for the Thunder. Still, with over three months to develop chemistry, the Thunder should be able to give the Pistons a go offensively. Regardless of whether Chris Paul remains the OKC backcourt will have the advantage with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and either Dennis Schroder or one of the young wings starting. Adams will be tasked with locking down Drummond (something he’s capably done previously).
Ultimately the games will come down to a combination of which team’s wings play the best offensively and limiting Griffin delivering an above-average offensive performance.
Next. Roundtable sessions: Thunder lineups, rotations, reserve units. dark
Since I’m not sold on this Detroit team let’s give the hopeful nod to OKC’s defense outperforming the Pistons offense and therefore sweeping the series again this season.