The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to play their second-straight road contest, coming against another Eastern Conference squad.
Most recently, they went on the road and defeated the Boston Celtics in the TD Garden, making a clear statement as a contender out of the Western Conference.
Now, the Thunder is set to take on an emerging Detroit Pistons squad, which boasts a 37-30 record and No. 6 seed just one year removed from a bottom-table finish.
The Thunder, on the other hand, happens to be atop the Western Conference with a 54-12 record and an 11.5-game lead over the No. 2-seeded Denver Nuggets
The Pistons are looking to solidify themselves as a stout playoff team out East, and the Thunder are going to have to face a tough, physical team on Saturday evening.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be leading the way while Jalen Williams remains sidelined, though his supporting cast will need to step up in a big way.
One key member of the team got unfortunate news before tipoff in Detroit, however.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) © Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images © Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Thunder make unfortunate announcement before Pistons game
Ahead of tipoff, the Thunder announced that Aaron Wiggins will miss the game as he deals with an illness, as shared by Clemente Almanza on X.
"Aaron Wiggins (illness) is out for tonight's game against the Pistons," Almanza posted.
Aaron Wiggins (illness) is out for tonight's game against the Pistons
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) March 15, 2025
With Williams already out for this trip, missing Wiggins for the game is critical. The guard has been a steady ship for the second unit and will be missed.
Wiggins is not only having a career season for Oklahoma City, but he also happens to be on one of the best bargain contracts in the entire league while making an incredible impact to the squad.
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This story was originally published March 15, 2025 at 5:50 PM.