Pistons vs. Thunder | NBA Analysis and Best Bets (4/2)

The Thunder host the Pistons down in Oklahoma tonight. Detroit’s looking to upset the Thunder and potentially lock in a spot for the postseason. 

For additional information on picks, props, money lines and more on today’s slate, take a look at our NBA Picks Page or our NBA Odds Page, here. 

Pistons/Thunder, live from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 

Pistons vs. Thunder| Information

The likely MVP has been all smiles all year.

Matchup Information

• Location: Paycom Center; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Date: Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025
• Tipoff: 9:40 PM EST

Detroit Pistons vs. Oklahoma City Thunder| Previous Matchups

• Thunder (113) @ Pistons (107) – 3/15/2025
• Thunder (104) @ Pistons (120) – 3/15/2025
• Pistons (112) @ Thunder (124) – 10/23/2023

Injury Report

Detroit Pistons

• Cade Cunningham – OUT
• Jaden Ivey – OUT

Oklahoma City Thunder

• Alex Caruso – Questionable
• Jaylin Williams – Questionable

Betting Odds

Odds via BetOnline, an industry leader in the sports betting world.

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets | Analysis

Bad Boy Pistons

The Pistons can secure a postseason birth tonight if they’re able to overcome the large spread and absence of their leader; Cade Cunningham. Detroit’s projected win total this year was 24.5 and now they sit in a top-5 spot in the Eastern Conference; above even the Milwaukee Bucks.

Cade Cunningham made his first All-Star Game this year and it’s directly resulted in wins for Detroit. With him still on the sidelines for this one, it might be tough for Detroit to clinch tonight in Oklahoma.

Most Valuable Player

It looks all but sewn up, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is going to be your 2025 NBA’s Most Valuable Player. This year’s he’s led the Thunder to the top seed in the NBA, he’s averaging 32.8 PPG and he’s shooting over 52% from the field. He’s played in 72 of the Thunder’s 75 games and Thunder have just ONE loss to the Eastern Conference.

The Thunder’s defense has been top-2 all year and showing no signs of slowing down. They’re allowing just 107 PPG this year and Shai’s been a huge reason as to why this defense has been so good. Teams are shooting just 43% from the field when matched up with Oklahoma City, struggling even more from beyond the arc (34%).

Our Best Bets in the Pistons/Thunder, April 3rd

Isaiah Hartenstein o3.5 Assists (+109 via BetOnline)

Hartenstein got paid in the offseason and for good reason. Now that he’s back in the lineup with the Thunder, his impact has been almost immediate. In his first season with the Thunder, Hartenstein’s averaging 28.8 MPG, 11.3 PPG, 10.8 RPG and 3.9 APG.

Hartenstein and Chet have developed a sort of two-man game that allows both to play off one another beautifully. Detroit ranks 21st in assists allowed to the C position and it’s been a spot they’ve struggled all year. Over their last couple games, the Pistons have allowed Olynyk, Adebayo, Julius Randle, Evan Mobley and countless other bigs to hit this line.

In the Thunder’s previous matchup with the Pistons this year, Hartenstein finished with 5 assists in 30 minutes of game time. Hartensteins hit this line in 3 straight against the Pistons and has looked to really put his passing ability on display in Oklahoma. .

Malik Beasley o3.5 3s (+112 via BetOnline)

Malik Beasley plays basketball today so I’m obligated to bet on it. The Thunder rank in the bottom 10 in wide open 3-point attempts allowed this year and teams have struggled to hit these open shots. However, over their L10 games teams are now shooting well above 40% on these wide open 3-point attempts.

Beasley has become the Pistons best perimeter shooter and if they have any hope at clinicing a postseason birth tonight, it’ll be with the high level play of Malik Beasley. On the road this year, Beasley’s shooting 44.8% from beyond the arc and he’s shown no signs of slowing down.

With no Cade Cunningham tonight, no Jaden Ivey; if the Pistons keep this close, it’ll be because of Malik Beasley. .

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