Knicks vs Pistons Prediction, Odds & Game Preview 4/19/2025

The New York Knicks (51-31) host the Detroit Pistons (44-38) at Madison Square Garden on Saturday in what marks Detroit's first playoff appearance since the 2018-19 season.

Led by Jalen Brunson (26 PPG) and Karl-Anthony Towns (24.4 PPG), the Knicks enter as 7-point favorites despite the Pistons winning their last three head-to-head matchups.

Detroit's inexperienced roster—featuring 12 players in their third year or less—faces a significant challenge against playoff-tested New York in the hostile atmosphere of the Garden.

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New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons preview

The Knicks head into this playoff opener at Madison Square Garden having secured home-court advantage despite splitting their last eight games—a stark contrast to the Pistons who limp in with losses in six of their last eight.

While Detroit has surprisingly won three straight against New York, the playoff atmosphere at MSG presents a different challenge for a Pistons roster where 12 players are in their third NBA season or less.

Cade Cunningham (26.1 PPG, 9.1 APG) leads this young Detroit squad back to the postseason for the first time since 2019, while the Knicks counter with their dynamic duo of Jalen Brunson (26 PPG) and Karl-Anthony Towns (24.4 PPG).

The physical, tough-minded Pistons will aim to make this an ugly series, potentially causing problems for a Knicks team that's struggled against Central Division opponents, failing to cover the spread in nine of their last ten such matchups.

Detroit will be without Jaden Ivey, while Knicks' Ariel Hukporti remains questionable with a knee issue.

This series opener could reveal whether Detroit's youth and regular season success against New York can withstand the cauldron of playoff basketball at the Garden, where the Knicks have won seven of their last eight playoff games against Central Division teams.

Key stats

1

Knicks sit 3rd in the Eastern Conference with a 51-31 record (0.622 win percentage)

2

Pistons hold 6th position in the East with a 44-38 record (0.537 win percentage)

3

Knicks' recent form shows inconsistency (WLLLW) while Pistons have struggled lately (LLWLL)

4

New York's scoring differential is positive (+336) while Detroit's is also positive but smaller (+156)

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