The Detroit Pistons make their way to New York Knicks territory for a Thursday night showdown at Madison Square Garden. Both teams are in the top three in the Eastern Conference standings so far this season and will try to get a big win in their first game out of the All-Star break. Before the action begins in New York City, you can continue reading to find my Pistons vs Knicks prediction.
Our Pistons vs Knicks Pick
Pick:
Confidence: 3/5
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Detroit Pistons @ New York Knicks
- Date & Time: Thursday, February 19, 7:30 PM ET
- Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
- Broadcast: Prime Video
Key Players
Knicks Key Players
- Jalen Brunson – The Knicks’ leading scorer is averaging 27.0 points per game and 6.1 assists while maintaining efficiency from midrange and the free-throw line. He dictates the Knicks’ offense and is essential to their offense.
- Karl-Anthony Towns – A consistent double-double threat averaging 19.8 points and 11.9 rebounds, Towns also stretches the floor with three-point range. His presence inside and out opens up scoring opportunities for his teammates.
- OG Anunoby – Contributing 16.6 points and providing strong perimeter defense, Anunoby’s ability to hit open shots and guard wing players gives New York versatility on both ends of the floor. Anunoby is listed as questionable for this game and the Knicks would love to have him available for this matchup.
Pistons Key Players
- Cade Cunningham – Detroit’s star and primary playmaker, Cunningham averages 25.3 points and a team-best 9.6 assists, making him one of the most dynamic floor generals in the league. His ability to create for others and score in isolation is a major part of the Pistons’ success.
- Ausar Thompson – Providing secondary scoring and defensive impact, Thompson chips in around 10.2 points while contributing heavily on the glass and guarding multiple positions.
- Duncan Robinson – A sharpshooter who spaces the floor with his three-point shooting, Robinson’s scoring can be pivotal in keeping Detroit competitive in this contest.
Stat Comparison
| Statistic | Pistons | Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | 117.2 | 118.0 |
| Points allowed per game | 109.3 | 111.9 |
| Team Field Goal % | 48% | 47% |
| Team Free Throw % | 75.5% | 79.0% |
| Rebounds Per Game | 45.6 | 46.3 |
| Assists Per Game | 26.6 | 27.2 |
Detroit’s offensive production is elite, ranking near the top of the league and sitting just a shade below New York in scoring output. The Pistons also boast one of the best defenses in the NBA, surrendering among the fewest points per game and ranking high in overall defensive efficiency. New York posts strong scoring numbers and rebounds at a steady clip, and their accuracy from the floor keeps them competitive in faster games.
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
- The Pistons are 2-0 against the Knicks so far this season.
- The Knicks are 31-25 against the spread so far this season.
- Detroit enters this game with a 28-25 record against the spread.
- New York is 28-28 in the over/under market this year.
- The under is 30-22-1 in games involving the Pistons this season.
Pistons vs Knicks Model Projection
Score Projection:
Win Probability:
Final Thoughts
