Yet another opposing triple double spelled doom for the Thunder in their last game against the Hawks. Joe Johnson's amazing night was perhaps one of the many signs that the Thunder took a small step backward for their last road game. Of course, they will try to rebound back in this game (but not literally, as rebounding was actually one of the areas the Thunder excelled in vs. the Hawks). This tall order comes against one of the premier organizations of the past decade, the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons may have slowed down a little, being 15-11 this season, but with the Allen Iverson trade, they hope to get hot down the stretch.

Backstory: Back in the day, yours truly was a big Pistons backer, and still is. The defense and the Wallace x2 combo was irresistible to me. Times have changed a little though. Ben Wallace took his 'fro from Mo Town to Chi-Town, and then from Chi-Town to C-Town. Chauncey Billups is hoopin it up in Denver, reconnecting to his past as a Colorado Buffalo. In his place, future HOFer Allen Iverson is trying to bring his intensity to Deeeetroit. Strangely enough though, A.I. may not even be the best "point guard" on the roster, as Rodney Stuckey has been more than impressive off the Piston bench for a couple of years now. Personally, I feel that they are better off trading A.I. somewhere and trying to pick up a player who can fill the Ben Wallace void that has been empty on this team ever since he left two years ago.

Match-Ups: 

Allen Iverson vs. Russell Westbrook

Edge: A.I.

Remember Bobby Maze, Sooner fans? Well don't get confused, this guy ain't him. One could make the argument that there's never been a better take-over scorer in the league.

Rodney Stuckey vs. Desmond Mason

Edge: Stuckey

Rodney isn't too far removed from a 40 point night, and if he brings that kind of scoring into this game, it would all but doom the Thunder.

Richard Hamilton vs. Kevin Durant

Edge: KD

Rip will be a very tough defensive challenge for Kevin, with his speed and ability to slash with the ball inside and his deadly accuracy shooting from the corners, but likewise I think KD will find success against the former Connecticut star.

Tayshaun Prince vs. Jeff Green

Edge: Green

Prince, one of the better defenders in the league, should preform well as always against Jeff, who like Prince, is not a true power forward. Still, expect Prince to see a lot of time against Kevin Durant, because his length and ability are the perfect counter to KD.

Rasheed Wallace vs. Chris Wilcox

Edge: 'Sheed

It's a struggle between two underachieving players, not just on the season, but on their careers.

Battle of the Benches

Edge: Thunder

The Pistons have always been a starter focused team, and the Thunder should place Joe Smith back on the bench, where he always gets mass success.

Coaching and Intangibles

Edge: Detroit

It'll be a huge accomplishment if they can walk out of the Palace with a win.

Player to Watch: Jeff Green. He isn't competing against a true power forward thanks to Detroit's three guard line-up, so could make some noise.

God of Thunder's pick: Pistons 98 Thunder 88

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