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New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons picks and predictions January 5th, 2026
The New York Knicks head to Detroit on Monday, January 5th to face the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Tipoff is set for 7:00 PM ET. New York is a modest -2.5 road favorite (-143 ML), with the Pistons sitting at +122 to win outright. The total is set at 234.5—a high number, considering the Knicks’ slower pace, but Detroit’s poor defense helps explain it.
These are two teams on different trajectories. The Knicks are grinding out wins with physicality and defense, while the Pistons are simply trying to stay competitive after a rough first half. Availability could tip this either way.
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New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Odds
Below are the current lines. Always refer to the latest NBA odds for live updates.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Knicks | -143 | -2.5 (-113) | O 234.5 |
| Detroit Pistons | +122 | +2.5 (-108) | U 234.5 |
New York Knicks Betting Form
The Knicks are starting to build some momentum. Jalen Brunson continues to play at an All-Star level, and the addition of OG Anunoby has bolstered their defense significantly. While New York still plays at a bottom-10 pace, their half-court execution and toughness are tough to match, especially against weaker teams like Detroit.
They’re 4-1 ATS in their last five games and have started to win the turnover and rebounding battles more consistently. The offense isn’t explosive, but it’s steady—and that’s often enough to cover short road spreads when defense travels.
Stay up to date with the New York Knicks injury report, and check the New York Knicks stats and results for recent performance trends.
Detroit Pistons Betting Form
Detroit has shown some signs of life, but they remain inconsistent and poorly matched in spots like this. They’ve been better against the number lately—especially as underdogs under +6—but are still one of the league’s least efficient teams on both ends. Cade Cunningham is growing into a leadership role, but shot selection and floor spacing remain serious issues.
Defensively, Detroit ranks near the bottom in defensive rating and can’t seem to close out possessions. That’s a problem against a Knicks team that thrives on second-chance points and physicality. They’ve been competitive early in games but fade late—something to consider when eyeing first-half or live bets.
Make sure to review the Detroit Pistons injury report for any surprises. For broader metrics, visit the Detroit Pistons schedule and stats.
New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Matchup Breakdown
This matchup tilts toward New York’s strengths. They’ll slow the pace, control the glass, and force the Pistons into contested shots. Detroit may push tempo early, but they’ll struggle to maintain efficiency without transition points.
Key matchup edges:
- Rebounding: Knicks are top 5 in offensive boards; Pistons struggle clearing the glass.
- Half-Court Execution: Brunson and Randle can carve up weaker defenses.
- Defensive Versatility: Anunoby’s presence gives the Knicks an edge on switches.
- Turnovers: Detroit ranks bottom five in turnover rate; Knicks capitalize on extra possessions.
This is the type of game where NBA betting strategies around tempo and late-game execution really come into play.
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New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Predictions and Best Bets
The line is tight for a reason—road favorites under -3 always carry risk. But matchup-wise, the Knicks have more edges. They’re more physical, better defensively, and more consistent in half-court sets. Unless the Pistons shoot well from deep—which they rarely do—it’s hard to see them pulling the upset.
The total at 234.5 feels inflated given New York’s pace and Detroit’s inconsistency. If the Knicks dictate the tempo, this game likely lands in the 220–228 range. If you like the Knicks, the Under correlates well.
Best Bet: Knicks -2.5 (-113).
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