Pistons Catch Break as Injury-Depleted Thunder Visit Detroit

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and several other key Thunder players ruled out for national TV matchup

Feb. 25, 2026 at 6:38pm

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The Detroit Pistons will host the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, with the visiting Thunder decimated by injuries. OKC guard and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has missed the last eight games with an abdominal strain and will sit out this matchup. Several other Thunder starters and top contributors are also sidelined, giving the healthier Pistons a significant advantage as they look to bounce back from a recent loss to the Spurs.

Why it matters

The Pistons have a chance to gain ground on the West-leading Thunder, who are the defending NBA champions. Detroit is currently 4.5 games ahead of Boston in the Eastern Conference standings, and a win over the shorthanded Thunder could help them solidify their position atop the East.

The details

The Thunder won in Toronto on Tuesday, but will be without Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, Ajay Mitchell, and Thomas Sorber for the game in Detroit. Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso are also listed as doubtful. The Pistons, meanwhile, are relatively healthy, with only three players out on G League assignments. This gives Detroit a significant advantage as they look to take down the NBA's top team.

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has missed the last 8 games with an abdominal strain.
  • The Pistons-Thunder game is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25 at 7:40 PM ET.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder's star guard and reigning NBA MVP, who has missed the last 8 games with an abdominal strain and will sit out this matchup against the Pistons.

Cade Cunningham

The Detroit Pistons' star point guard, who is looking to bounce back after a poor shooting performance in the team's recent loss to the Spurs.

Jalen Duren

The Pistons' young center, who will look to take advantage of the Thunder's depleted frontcourt.

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What they’re saying

“We must take advantage of the Thunder's injuries and come out strong tonight. This is a big opportunity for us to gain ground in the standings.”

— Cade Cunningham, Pistons Point Guard (ESPN)

What’s next

The Pistons will look to capitalize on the Thunder's injury woes and secure a win that could help them solidify their position atop the Eastern Conference standings.

The takeaway

The Pistons have a golden opportunity to take down the NBA's top team, the Thunder, who will be without several key players due to injuries. This game could be a turning point in Detroit's season as they look to cement their status as an Eastern Conference powerhouse.