The New York Knicks take on the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night in New York. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks are 4.5-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total for this game set at O/U 221.5 points. Let’s get into my preview, prediction and pick for this Knicks vs. Pistons game.
Knicks vs. Pistons prediction, preview
The Knicks came into the All-Star break with a lot of momentum. They went 10-2 in their final 12 games before the break. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns both participated in the All-Star Game and won the Shooting Stars competition, alongside Allan Houston. The rest of the Knicks got the weekend to rest, including OG Anunoby. Anunoby was considered a snub from the All-Star Game by some. While he missed out on that distinction, the time off allowed him to get healthy. Anunoby missed the final four games before the break with a toe injury, but he is set to return tonight. He is arguably the Knicks’ most important player outside of Jalen Brunson, and they will need him for this game against Detroit, which should have a playoff atmosphere at the Garden.
The Pistons have led the Eastern Conference for almost the entire season. Detroit has been a burgeoning contender over the last couple of seasons, but it has proven to be the class of the Eastern Conference all season. The Pistons still need to prove it in the postseason after getting eliminated by the Knicks in the first round last year. However, Cade Cunningham has emerged as a real star, and so has big man Jalen Duren. Unfortunately for Detroit, it will be without Duren and Isaiah Stewart for this game. The duo is in the midst of a suspension for their role in the fight with the Hornets before the All-Star break. That puts a lot of pressure on the other role players like Tobias Harris, Duncan Robinson and Ausar Thompson to step up and play a big role.
Knicks vs. Pistons pick, best bet
My best bet is on the Knicks to cover the 4.5-point spread. The Pistons have gotten the better of the Knicks this season, winning both matchups so far. Not only have they won both, but the wins came in blowout fashion. Both of those games took place in Detroit, so New York gets the chance to host this time around. Also, it’s worth noting that Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby were both out for the second matchup. This time around, the Knicks are fully healthy and have found a real rhythm with their rotation. Meanwhile, the Pistons will be without their second-leading scorer and leading rebounder, Jalen Duren, as well as a major role player, Isaiah Stewart.
One other factor that is different about this matchup is the Knicks’ addition of Jose Alvarado. Alvarado has been fantastic so far in his Knicks tenure. He is known for his hustle and tenacious defense, but he also dropped a season-high 26 points against the 76ers in New York’s final game before the break. Alvarado will be able to come in and help defend Cade Cunningham, something the Knicks have struggled to do in the past. Especially with Duren off the floor, everyone can focus on helping slow down Cunningham.
The Knicks have some of the most dramatic home/road splits in the NBA. They are a .500 team on the road, with a 13-13 record this season. It’s no surprise that they lost both games in Detroit based on that record. However, they are 21-7 at Madison Square Garden this season, the fourth-best home winning percentage in the NBA. The Knicks should get the win and cover the spread in this revenge spot.
