The Pistons are the first team in NBA history to triple their win total from the previous season, and their 44-38 record has propelled them into the playoffs for the first time since 2019. The re-loaded Knicks won 51 games but struggled with the Pistons during the regular season.
My Pistons vs. Knicks predictions expect a close game at Madison Square Garden and a duel between two star point guards. Read my NBA picks to see which player props I’m targeting and how I’m betting the spread.
Who will win Pistons vs Knicks Game 1?
The Knicks have plenty of playoff experience across their roster, while Detroit has very little. I expect the veteran team to win at home, but spotting the Pistons seven points is wild. I’ll take New York to win a close one.
Pistons vs Knicks prediction
My best bet: Cade Cunningham 30+ points (+120 at bet365)
Cade Cunningham broke out this season, leading the Detroit Pistons to an unprecedented win total and the first playoff appearance of his young career. The budding star averaged a career-high 26.1 points and increased his scoring total for the fourth straight year.
His scoring line is set at 27.5 for odds that continue to grow shorter, but for just two more points, we can get plus-money odds. That’s the prop I’m targeting tonight.
Cade finished with 30 points in 23 games this season, including two against New York, and he scored at least that many in four of his last six against the Knicks dating back to last season. Since the start of the 2023-24 campaign, Cunningham’s 31 points per game against the Knicks are the most he’s averaged against a single opponent.
This season, the New York Knicks have allowed the fifth-most points per game to point guards, surrendering 25.3 to the position. Cunningham posted 25.7 points per game at home and 26.6 on the road, putting him in a favorable spot on the road tonight.
Cunningham ended the season on a high note, averaging 28 points across 20 games post All-Star break. He scored at least 30 points in seven of his last 13 and hit that mark in three straight to close out his breakout season.
Staying competitive with New York will require a big game from Cunningham on offense, and he’s up to the task. With the lights brightest and playing his first ever playoff game in one of the NBA’s most revered arenas, I’m expecting him to put on a show.
Pistons vs Knicks same-game parlay
Cade Cunningham 30+ points
Pistons +7
Jalen Brunson 30+ points
The Knicks decimated the Pistons 128-98 in Detroit back on November 1 to earn their 16th straight head-to-head victory. Since that win, the Pistons have rattled off three straight against the Knicks, covering in each one.
The Pistons went 42-38-2 ATS this season, and they finished with the fourth-best ATS record on the road at 23-16-2. New York went 20-19-1 ATS at home and 20-16-1 ATS as the home favorite.
Detroit has covered in six of the last 10 head-to-head matchups with New York, and I expect the young guns to come out highly motivated in what will be the first playoff appearance for many of the players on the roster. New York should win this one, but expect Detroit to keep it close.
Jalen Brunson went for at least 30 points in 22 of 65 games this season, but three of those came against the Pistons. Brunson finished with at least that many points in three of four against Detroit this season and in five of his last seven dating back to the 2023-24 campaign.
In that span, Brunson averaged 31.1 points against Detroit, scoring no fewer than 28 points in six home matchups. Like Cunningham, his point total is set at 27.5, and I’m not satisfied taking that line, when we can do better for plus-money odds. Expect “Playoff Brunson” to be at his best at home tonight. He’s averaged 30.3 points across 24 playoff games with the Knicks and scored at least 30 in 11 of them.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Pistons vs Knicks odds
Pistons vs Knicks live odds
Pistons vs Knicks opening odds
- Spread: Detroit +7 (-110) | New York -7 (-110)
- Moneyline: Detroit +235 | New York -290
- Over/Under: Over 220.5 (-110) | Under 220.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Pistons vs Knicks spread and Over/Under analysis
- Detroit has won and covered in three straight head-to-head matchups with New York.
- The Pistons have covered in six of the last 10 head-to-head matchups with the Knicks.
- The Pistons and Knicks have hit the Over in seven of the last 10 head-to-head matchups.
Pistons vs Knicks trend
The Detroit Pistons have hit the Team Total Over in 25 of their last 34 away games (+14.65 Units / 37% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Knicks.
How to watch Pistons vs Knicks
| Location | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date | Saturday, 4-19-2025 |
| Tip-off | 6:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Pistons vs Knicks latest injuries
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