Knicks vs. Pistons Picks and Prediction – 5/1/2025

New York Knicks (50-32) vs. Detroit Pistons (44-38)
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Location: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
TV: TNT, truTV, Max

Previous Games:

  • Knicks: Lost Game 5 at home 106-103 despite leading at halftime

  • Pistons: Avoided elimination with a gritty road win in Game 5

Head-to-Head:

New York leads the series 3-2 and has already taken two games on the road. The Knicks are 10-1 in their last 11 games at Detroit, showing dominance on the Pistons' floor.

New York Knicks Breakdown:

New York is battle-tested and efficient on the road, led by All-Star Jalen Brunson despite a rough 4-for-16 shooting night in Game 5. The Knicks' defense has kept Detroit under 107 points in three games this series. They’ve also led at halftime in both road wins this series, which shows their ability to start strong away from home. OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns have stepped up in key moments, and New York's depth remains a factor.

Key Players:

  • Jalen Brunson: 23.3 PPG, 6.5 APG

  • OG Anunoby: 19 PTS, 8 REB in Game 5

  • Karl-Anthony Towns: 17.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG in playoffs

Detroit Pistons Breakdown:

Detroit is 1-10 in its last 11 home games against New York and hasn’t won a home playoff game since 2008. They’re rebounding well, but their ball security has been an issue. Cade Cunningham continues to shine and had 24 points in Game 5, but the Pistons' perimeter shooting remains poor — just 8-for-29 from three last game (27.6%).

Key Players:

  • Cade Cunningham: 25.9 PPG, 7.3 APG

  • Ausar Thompson: 22 PTS, 7 REB in Game 5

  • Tobias Harris: Veteran leadership, 17 PTS in last game

Betting Trends:

New York Knicks:

  • 15-5 SU in last 20 vs. Detroit

  • 12-6 ATS in last 18 overall

  • UNDER in 10 of last 14 games

Detroit Pistons:

  • 1-10 SU at home vs. New York

  • 2-5 ATS in last 7

  • UNDER in 4 of last 6 vs. Knicks

Exact Score Prediction:

New York Knicks 109 – Detroit Pistons 105

Our Best Bet:

New York Knicks +1.5 (-110)

New York’s road dominance and defensive consistency make them the smarter play in a tight elimination game. Even if Detroit keeps it close, the Knicks have more playoff experience and a stronger late-game track record. With a 3-2 lead and two prior road wins in this series, look for the Knicks to close it out tonight — and the spread gives added protection.

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