NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
The Oklahoma City Thunder (54-12) will face off against the Detroit Pistons (37-30) on Saturday at 7 PM ET, available on League Pass. The Thunder recently achieved impressive victories over the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics, while the Pistons have struggled slightly, going 2-3 in their last five games after an impressive stretch of nine wins in ten.
Here are five key points to note before the game begins:
1. **Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP candidacy:** SGA has been outstanding in the 2024-25 season, currently securing the second position in the Kia MVP Ladder. The fluid guard is leading the league in scoring with a personal-best average of 32.8 points per game, accompanied by 5.1 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.8 steals in 34.3 minutes per game. He ranks fourth in both individual offensive rating (122.1) and defensive rating (105.5), while holding first place in total net rating (16.6) and plus-minus (12.0). In his last five matches, Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 38.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.2 blocks, boasting remarkable shooting stats of 54.5% from the field, 38.5% from three-point range, and 97.8% from the free-throw line.
2. **Chet Holmgren’s return to form:** This season has been challenging for Holmgren, as he has played in only 21 games after being available for all last season. Fortunately, he is regaining his health at a crucial time for Oklahoma City. In four games this month, Chet has averaged 14.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks while playing just 29.5 minutes. He had a standout performance against the Celtics earlier this week, scoring 23 points and grabbing 15 rebounds, including hitting 3-of-6 from beyond the arc.
3. **Jalen Williams’ sidelining:** The dynamic duo of SGA and Williams has been a significant force for the Thunder this season. Unfortunately for OKC, Williams is anticipated to miss some time due to a hip injury that forced him out of Monday’s game against Denver after just 14 minutes. He was beginning to find his rhythm with averages of 24.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.0 steals over his last eight outings, while shooting 48.5% overall and 40.4% from three-point range. Holmgren, Isaiah Joe, and Lu Dort will need to step up to cover for ‘J-Dub’ during his recovery.
4. **Strong defensive squads on display:** Both teams have ranked among the top ten defenses in the league, indicating a potentially intense contest in their first meeting of the season. The Thunder hold the best defensive rating at 106.2, while the Pistons follow closely in tenth with a rating of 111.9.
5. **Cade Cunningham’s emergence:** Cunningham has made a significant impact this season at just 23 years old. The fourth-year guard is achieving career highs in several categories including points (25.9), assists (9.3), minutes (35.3), shooting percentage (46.2), double-doubles (29), triple-doubles (8), and plus-minus (+3.1). Over his last six games, he has averaged 31.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.7 steals in 35.5 minutes. The matchup between Cade and SGA is sure to captivate fans throughout the game.
