It\u2019s a massive Saturday slate featuring potential Conference Finals previews in both divisions. The Pistons host the Cavaliers in the East, while Denver travels to Oklahoma City in what could be a Western Conference Finals teaser.<\/p>\n
Denver secured a big win over the in-form Celtics last start, although Jamal Murray exited early due to illness.<\/p>\n
The Thunder have won five of their last seven despite being severely undermanned. Now, SGA, Holmgren, Hartenstein and Caruso are off the injury report as OKC looks to build momentum heading into the stretch run.<\/p>\n
Confidence is everything, and the recent absence of OKC\u2019s stars has given Cason Wallace extended opportunity with the ball in his hands.<\/p>\n
Even with SGA returning, I expect his minutes to be managed under 30. With Jalen Williams still sidelined, there\u2019s no reason Wallace can\u2019t continue scoring in the mid-teens.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s coming off back-to-back 27 and 20-point games, and dropped 27 on Denver in their last meeting \u2014 with SGA in the lineup.<\/p>\n
Strawther has been solid when starting for Denver, providing an additional scoring punch.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s averaging 15.6 points per game as a starter this season and has hit double figures in seven of eight starts.<\/p>\n
Jokic\u2019s rebounding numbers have been elite.<\/p>\n
The three-time MVP is averaging 13.6 rebounds across his last 14 games, clearing 12+ boards in 11 of those.<\/p>\n
Without Gordon and Watson, Jokic\u2019s rebound rate rises roughly 5% above his season average. Expect another dominant performance on the glass.<\/p>\n