Detroit Pistons (44-38) vs New York Knicks (51-31)
Game Info: Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 7:30 pm (Little Caesars Arena)
Betting Odds: Detroit Pistons -1.5 -- Over/Under: 212.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: TNT
New York Knicks Betting Preview
The New York Knicks will be hoping to bounce back and clinch the series after falling just short to the Pistons in a 106-103 home defeat in Game 5 on Tuesday. OG Anunoby led the team with 19 points, eight rebounds and three blocks, Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns each scored 17 points while Jalen Brunson chipped in with 16 points and seven assists.
As a team, the Knicks shot 43 percent from the field and nine of 25 from the 3-point line as they traded shots with the Pistons in a tight contest. However, with the scores tied late in the fourth quarter, it was the Pistons who went on a crucial 6-0 run to slip away in a disappointing finish. The Knicks had a total of six players scoring at least 13 points, but they needed more from Brunson, who shot just four of 16 from the field while committing four turnovers.
Detroit Pistons Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons are growing in confidence after they were able to stave off elimination with a gritty win in Game 5 on Tuesday. Cade Cunningham led the team with 24 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, Ausar Thompson added 22 points with seven rebounds and two blocks while Tobias Harris chipped in with 17 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. As a team, the Pistons shot just 42 percent from the field and eight of 29 from the 3-point line as they looked to be in trouble when they squandered a 10-point lead.
However, they were able to rely on their defense down the stretch, which was the difference in a close game that could've gone either way. Cunningham didn't have his best game as he shot just six of 17 from the field while committing five turnovers. Meanwhile, Tim Hardaway Jr shot just two of 10 from the field and one of seven from the 3-point line for his eight points.
Why the Detroit Pistons will win
- The Pistons have won each of their last eight games as favorites against the Knicks following a win.
- The Knicks have lost six of their last eight night games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Pistons have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games as favorites against the Knicks following a win.
- The Knicks have failed to cover the spread in six of their last seven night games against Central Division opponents that held a winning record.
Why the New York Knicks will win
- The Pistons have lost each of their last nine playoff home games.
- The Knicks have won each of their six previous Eastern Conference First Round games against the Pistons following a loss.
- The Pistons have failed to cover the spread in nine of their last 10 games against Atlantic Division opponents after winning as underdogs.
- The Knicks have covered the spread in four of their last five Eastern Conference First Round games as road underdogs.
Detroit Pistons Player Facts
- Ausar Thompson ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for steals per 36 minutes (2.7) this season.
- Cade Cunningham ranks 4th amongst qualified players for assists per game (9.1) this season.
New York Knicks Player Facts
- Miles McBride ranks 4th amongst qualified players for assist:turnover ratio (4.6) this season.
- Cameron Payne ranks 7th amongst qualified players for assist:turnover ratio (3.9) this season.
New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Prediction
The Knicks should be coming in with a full squad once again, while the Pistons are still keeping an eye on Isaiah Stewart, who is listed as questionable for this contest. The Knicks will be ruing their missed opportunities from their defeat on Tuesday, especially Brunson, who really struggled for the first time in this series. The Pistons are once again playing to keep their season alive, but this time it will be in front of their home fans.
Interestingly, the Pistons have lost their last nine home playoff games since 2008, but they showed great resilience on Tuesday and I think they can force a series decider if Cunningham bounces back with a big scoring game at home. You can make an argument for either side, but with the line so short, I will back the Pistons to get off to a quick start and earn a narrow win at home.
Peter’s Pick Detroit -1.5
AUTHOR: Peter Tran
