Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks Picks and Predictions April 27th 2025

‘Committed’ Pistons Aim to Even Series with Knicks in Game 4

After showing flashes of grit and resilience in Game 3, the Detroit Pistons are determined to even their first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks on Sunday. Trailing 2-1 in the best-of-seven battle, Detroit knows it must bring its best effort to keep its postseason dreams alive.

Pistons Focused on Building Momentum

Despite falling short in Thursday’s narrow 118-116 loss, Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised his team’s heart and is confident in their mindset heading into Game 4.

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“We won’t be deflated,” Bickerstaff said. “Our guys are too committed to one another. We’ll show up Sunday and we’re going to lay it on the line. We’re going to fight like hell and see what happens.”

Detroit showed a stronger second-half performance in Game 3, locking down defensively and finding better rhythm in transition offense — two areas they’ll look to replicate and build upon.

“I think we were good in the second half,” Bickerstaff noted. “It allowed us to get out in transition, play the way we want to play offensively.”

Battling Back from a Tough Start

Unlike Games 1 and 2, where Detroit largely dictated play early, the Pistons had to dig out of a 14-point hole in Game 3. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Cade Cunningham each scored 24 points to keep Detroit within striking distance, but it wasn’t enough to overcome New York’s timely scoring.

“We competed, we battled, and they did their job,” Hardaway said. “So we’ve got to come back on Sunday and be ready.”

Cunningham emphasized the need for Detroit to flip the script and come out aggressively right from the opening tip.

“That’s what we have to do every game — come out punching,” Cunningham said. “Come out with aggression.”

If you’re tracking NBA playoff predictions, the Pistons’ renewed focus and ability to adjust quickly will be key factors. For the latest analysis on their chances to even the series, explore updated NBA picks and expert insights.

Knicks Capitalize with Towns and Defensive Adjustments

Karl-Anthony Towns was the difference-maker for the Knicks in Game 3, bouncing back with a dominant 31-point performance after being held to just 10 points in Game 2. Without Pistons center Isaiah Stewart, who missed a second consecutive game with knee inflammation, Towns was able to exploit mismatches inside.

“We found a way in transition to get me some good looks and I was able to capitalize off of that,” Towns said.

Meanwhile, Knicks forward OG Anunoby has been a defensive force against Cunningham, holding the Pistons star to just 10-of-32 shooting when matched up head-to-head.

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“He’s a great player,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said about Cunningham. “You have to have a determination. Sometimes, you can defend him perfectly, and he can still make the shot.”

Anunoby expects the Pistons to make adjustments to free Cunningham up for better looks.

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“It’s a series,” Anunoby said. “They’ll make adjustments. We’ll make adjustments, too.”

Game 4: A Must-Win for Detroit

With Game 4 set for Sunday in Detroit, the Pistons will be playing with urgency to avoid falling into a daunting 3-1 series deficit. Whether Stewart returns or not, Detroit will need a full-team effort and a fast start to turn the tide against a tough, experienced Knicks squad.