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The Detroit Pistons head into Madison Square Garden on Thursday night for a heavyweight Eastern Conference clash against the New York Knicks. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM in a game that features the top seed in the conference taking on the third-seeded Knicks. Detroit sits at the top of the mountain with a 40-13 record and arrives in Manhattan on a three-game winning streak. They have been the most consistent team in basketball lately, winning eight of their last ten.
New York is not far behind, boasting a 35-20 record and playing some of their best basketball of the year. The Knicks are fresh off a staggering 138-89 demolition of the Philadelphia 76ers, a game that served notice to the rest of the league. With both teams having won the vast majority of their games over the last three weeks, this matchup is a potential preview of the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite Detroit’s superior record, the Knicks open as -4.5 home favorites with a total set at 223.
Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks Odds
These betting lines represent the current market at the time of writing, but with two high-profile teams like this, you should check the latest NBA odds frequently for any late movement.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Detroit Pistons | +147 | +4.5 (-113) | U 223 (-110) |
| New York Knicks | -177 | -4.5 (-109) | O 223 (-110) |
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Detroit Pistons Betting Form
The Pistons have established themselves as a defensive juggernaut this season. They allow only 109.3 points per game, which is the third-best mark in the NBA, and they lead the entire league in effective field goal percentage allowed. Cade Cunningham has ascended to superstar status, recently putting up 28 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists to bury Toronto. You can find a full breakdown of their recent road performance on the Detroit Pistons stats and results page.
What makes Detroit so dangerous is their resilience. They have an 11-2 record following a loss and haven’t dropped more than two games in a row all year. However, they are currently playing without Jalen Duren, who remains out due to suspension. Paul Reed stepped up admirably in his absence with 22 points in their last outing, but the interior depth will be tested against New York’s physical frontcourt. Be sure to verify the Detroit Pistons injury report to see if any other rotation players are dealing with fatigue from their recent stretch.
New York Knicks Betting Form
The Knicks are currently on an eight-game winning streak and have found a new gear since the trade deadline. The addition of Jose Alvarado has been a masterstroke; he just dropped a season-high 26 points with eight triples off the bench against Philly. New York is a top-ten offensive unit averaging 118.0 points per game, but they haven’t sacrificed their identity on the glass, where they rank fourth in the league. For a deeper look at their improved roster, check the New York Knicks schedule and stats for recent lineup changes.
Defensively, the Knicks are almost as stout as the Pistons, allowing 111.9 points per game. Tom Thibodeau has this group playing with high intensity, especially at the Garden where the crowd fuels their defensive rotations. The potential integration of Jeremy Sochan into the lineup only adds more versatility to a group that already features elite rebounding and perimeter depth. I’d recommend looking at the New York Knicks injury report to confirm the status of their new acquisitions before tipoff.
Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks Matchup Breakdown
This game is a collision between two of the most disciplined defenses in the NBA. Both teams rank in the top six for points allowed, and both prioritize rebounding and limiting second-chance opportunities. The Pistons lead the league in effective field goal percentage allowed, but they face a Knicks team that just hung 138 points on a division rival. The key will be whether Detroit’s perimeter defenders can keep Jose Alvarado and the Knicks’ shooters from getting comfortable behind the arc.
Pace will also play a massive role. Detroit prefers to keep things under control, while the Knicks have shown they can explode for huge numbers if the game gets into a track meet. Without Duren, the Pistons might struggle to contain New York’s fourth-ranked rebounding attack, which could lead to extra possessions for the Knicks. If Detroit can keep this a half-court game and utilize Cunningham’s playmaking, they have a great chance to hang around.
- Detroit leads the NBA in effective field goal percentage allowed.
- The Knicks have won eight straight games and ten of their last twelve.
- Detroit allows the third-fewest points in the league (109.3 PPG).
- New York ranks 4th in the league in rebounds per game (46.3).
Bettors trying to decide between a defensive grind or an offensive outburst should look at our NBA betting guide for tips on handicapping elite defensive matchups.
Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks Predictions and Best Bets
While the Knicks are the hottest team in the league, giving 4.5 points to the best team in the Eastern Conference feels like a tall order. The Pistons have a 17-6 record against teams over .500, proving they don’t blink when the competition steps up. Detroit’s defense is perfectly designed to neutralize high-scoring teams, and I expect them to make the Knicks work for every single look. I think the Pistons cover the spread in a game that likely comes down to the final possession.
I am also strongly leaning toward the under on 223. Both teams are top-ten defensive units, and in a high-stakes game like this, the intensity usually ramps up on the defensive end. While the Knicks’ recent 138-point outing is flashy, Detroit’s league-leading field goal defense won’t be nearly as accommodating as Philly’s was. Perhaps the Knicks find a way to win at home, but I think the game stays in the 105-110 range for both sides.
Best Bet: Detroit Pistons +4.5 (-113).
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NBA Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
This is the type of elite matchup where following the pros can make a huge difference in your ROI. You can find today’s NBA picks from experts who have been tracking both these teams throughout their respective winning streaks. High-level games at the Garden often see line movements based on late-breaking news that only the most dedicated handicappers catch.
Take a moment to check out our top sports handicappers to see who has the best record with Eastern Conference totals this season. We provide a full handicapper leaderboard so you can verify the results for yourself. If you’re looking for the absolute strongest play on tonight’s board, you can buy expert picks to gain an edge over the public.
