Pistons and Thunder to Clash in a Crucial Test for NBA Leaders

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The first match between the Detroit Pistons and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, United States, on Thursday morning WIB, will be a crucial test for both teams, who are currently leading their respective NBA divisions.

The NBA website stated on Thursday that the two teams will be measuring their strengths against each other for the first time this season.

The Pistons, who are at the top of the Eastern Conference, recently lost momentum after their five-game winning streak was ended by the San Antonio Spurs 103-114 at their home court.

The Spurs also managed to contain the Pistons’ All-Star player, Cade Cunningham, who only scored 16 points.

Cunningham admitted that his performance was not at its best. He believes that this series of tough matches is important to test his team’s readiness for the playoffs.

After facing the Thunder, the Pistons will conclude their home games by hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday WIB.

Meanwhile, last season’s NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, will be without their star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is still sidelined due to an abdominal injury.

Despite this, the Western Conference leaders remain competitive with a record of 5-3 without their best player from last season.

In their last match, the Thunder defeated the Toronto Raptors 116-107, thanks to a brilliant performance by Cason Wallace.

Based on last season’s head-to-head record, the Thunder swept both matches against the Pistons.