Pistons vs. Knicks Picks and Prediction – 4/19/2025

Detroit Pistons (44-38) vs. New York Knicks (51-31)
Time: 6:00 PM ET
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
TV: ESPN

Previous Games:

  • Pistons: Lost in OT to Milwaukee, 140-133

  • Knicks: Beat Brooklyn 113-105 on the road

Head-to-Head:

The Pistons won 3 out of 4 regular-season games against the Knicks, but the playoffs are a different animal. With home-court advantage and momentum, New York is positioned to flip the narrative in Game 1.

Detroit Pistons Breakdown:

Detroit has struggled to close games, and without Jaden Ivey, their backcourt is thinner heading into this playoff matchup. Despite rallying against the Bucks, the Pistons are just 4-6 in their last 10 and have allowed an average of 117.2 points per game over that stretch. Offensively, they’re solid, scoring 116.6 PPG, but defensive lapses continue to haunt them.

Key Players:

  • Malik Beasley: 17.0 PPG, 3.8 3PM

  • Jalen Duren: 9.8 RPG

  • Dennis Schroder: 5.6 APG

New York Knicks Breakdown:

The Knicks have been strong at home, winning 27 of 41 games at Madison Square Garden. Their defense has been elite lately, holding opponents to just 106.5 PPG over the last 10. The offense is clicking with Landry Shamet and Cameron Payne leading a balanced scoring attack, and OG Anunoby adding a strong two-way presence.

Key Players:

  • Landry Shamet: 29 points in last game, 49.3% from 3

  • OG Anunoby: 19.3 PPG

  • Josh Hart: 5.5 APG

Betting Trends:

Detroit Pistons:

  • 4-6 SU and ATS in their last 10 games

  • O/U is 5-5 over that span

New York Knicks:

  • 6-4 SU, 7-3 ATS in their last 10

  • O/U is 3-7 in those 10 games

Exact Score Prediction:

New York Knicks 118 – Detroit Pistons 110

Our Best Bet:

Over 220.5 (-110)

While the Knicks have been strong defensively, the Pistons' fast pace and lack of defensive discipline tend to push totals higher. Their regular-season matchups averaged 230 points, and with the energy of a playoff opener in MSG, we expect a fast tempo and high-efficiency shooting early. The Knicks should take Game 1, but the total is the sharper angle here.

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