DETROIT – The Detroit Pistons have ascended to the top of the Eastern Conference this season, owning a 28-7 record against the rest of the conference.
Detroit swept their three games vs. the New York Knicks and went 3-1 against the Boston Celtics, the two teams behind them in the conference standings.
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This week, the Pistons face a new test as they take on the two best teams in the Western Conference.
After playing against the Spurs on Monday, the Pistons are set for a showdown with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday (Feb. 25), a matchup of the two best teams in the NBA.
“Any time we can go against a top team in the league, it’s a great challenge,” Pistons All-Star center Jalen Duren said. “It’s a great way to show how good we are.”
Wednesday’s game at Little Caesars Arena is setting up to be the biggest home game of the year for the Pistons.
The top team in the East vs. the No. 1 team in the West.
Oklahoma City won the NBA championship last season and leads the NBA this year with a 45-14 record.
The Thunder have rolled this season, ranking in the top five in both points scored per game (T-4th) and points allowed per game (1st).
The game on Wednesday features two of the best defenses in the league.
OKC leads the NBA in scoring defense (107.7 points per game) and opponent field goal percentage (43.5%).
Detroit is right behind Oklahoma City in that regard. The Pistons are giving up 109.4 points per game (4th), while opponents are shooting 44.1% (2nd).
The Thunder could be without their top player for Wednesday’s game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has not played since February 3 with an abdominal injury. Despite being without the defending MVP, OKC has won five of its last six games.
“Our guys respect everybody and want to give everybody their best shot,” Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “No matter who the opponent is, our guys are looking forward to those challenges.”
Wednesday’s game is set for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off at LCA.