Game Preview: As Thunder Heat Up, Pistons Slide Continues

The Detroit Pistons(22-24) host the Oklahoma City Thunder(28-20) tonight at Little Ceasers Arena. The game begins at 5:00 p.m.

With Reggie Jackson out for the Pistons, Detroit has struggled to play complete games and finish down the stretch. That issue came into effect in their most recent loss to the Utah Jazz. The Jazz used a late fourth-quarter run to force overtime, where they outscored Detroit 9-6 to win, 98-95. Andre Drummond, in his first game since being snubbed from the All-Star team, scored 30 points, corralled 24 rebounds, swatted six shots, dished out four assists, and snatched three steals in the defeat. Detroit's other four starters combined for just 31 points. Luke Kennard completed his first career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.

The Thunder, who have won six in a row, picked up a win against the Washington Wizards, 121-112 on Thursday. Russell Westbrook was in MVP form as he dropped 46 points in the win. Paul George added 18 points in the win. Oklahoma City forced the Wizards into 23 turnovers.

Detroit won the first meeting these two teams hard earlier this season, 99-98 in Oklahoma City.

Injuries

The Pistons will be without Reggie Jackson(ankle) and Jon Leuer(ankle). It is unknown if Reggie Bullock(thumb) will play.

There are no injuries to report for the Thunder.

Probable Starting Lineups

Detroit Pistons

PG: Langston Galloway

SG: Avery Bradley

SF: Stanley Johnson

PF: Tobias Harris

C: Andre Drummond

Oklahoma City Thunder

PG: Russell Westbrook

SG: Andre Roberson

SF: Paul George

PF: Carmelo Anthony

C: Steven Adams

Featured Image: Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press