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One of the NBA season's most eagerly-anticipated matchups will take place Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena, where the Detroit Pistons will host the Oklahoma City Thunder in a potential NBA Finals preview.
The West-leading Thunder, boasting the NBA's best record at 45-14, have played the past eight games without reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The superstar guard has been recovering from an abdominal strain, and the Thunder have managed a 5-3 record without him to maintain their three-game lead over the San Antonio Spurs.
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Oklahoma City had indicated previously that Gilgeous-Alexander would be re-evaluated after the All-Star break, but the Thunder are not taking any chances with their point guard.
Gilgeous-Alexander out at Pistons
Gilgeous-Alexander will miss Wednesday night's showdown in Detroit with the Pistons (42-14) following the Thunder's update about his condition last Thursday.
The Thunder said Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams (hamstring) would be re-evaluated in one week and two weeks, respective. Coming off a victory in Toronto over the Raptors on Tuesday night, Oklahoma City will have to rely once more on their depth and their defense against East-leading Detroit.
In 49 games this season, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.8 points and 6.4 assists per night while shooting a career-best 55.4 percent from the field. He isn't that far away from joining the elusive 50-40-90 club, as he is shooting 39 percent from 3-point range and 89.2 percent from the foul line.
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