Detroit (44-38) at New York (51-31)
- When: Apr 19 2025, 6:00 PM
- Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, USA
- TV: ESPN
NBA Playoff Betting Preview: Pistons vs Knicks Game 1
Spread: New York -7.5 | Total: 220.5
The New York Knicks enter the postseason as 7.5-point favorites with a total set at 220.5, hosting a revitalized Detroit Pistons team that’s given them trouble all year.
New York Knicks Betting Outlook
The Knicks are the No. 3 seed in the East, finishing the regular season with an impressive 51-31 record — their best since the 2012-13 campaign. Their success was driven by Jalen Brunson’s leadership and a balanced offensive attack that ranked top 10 in the league at 115.8 points per game. Despite losing three of four to Detroit this season, New York is entering the playoffs healthy, with Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns ready to carry the scoring load.
Towns has been a major boost since coming over from Minnesota, averaging 24.4 points and a career-best 12.8 rebounds while hitting over 42% from beyond the arc. Brunson, back from an ankle injury, brings playoff experience and consistency, especially after averaging 35.5 points per game in last year’s opening round.
New York has covered in five of its last seven home games and will look to avenge the regular-season losses to a Pistons team that was the NBA’s surprise riser in 2024-25.
Detroit Pistons Betting Outlook
The Pistons, 14-68 just a year ago, flipped the script with a massive turnaround behind a breakout year from Cade Cunningham. Detroit closed the season strong, winning 19 of its final 31 games to snag the sixth seed and end a playoff drought dating back to 2019. Cunningham averaged 26.1 points on the season and torched the Knicks for 30.8 points per game in their four matchups, including two 36-point performances.
Jalen Duren anchors the paint while vets like Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, and Tim Hardaway Jr. bring critical postseason experience. Still, Detroit enters with a daunting 14-game playoff losing streak — something they’ll need to overcome mentally just as much as physically.
The Pistons have covered the spread in six of their last eight games overall, and they won three straight matchups against the Knicks this season. Their confidence is rising, and they won’t be intimidated by the bright lights at Madison Square Garden.
Betting Prediction & Final Score
This has the makings of a tightly contested Game 1. The Knicks are deeper and more experienced, but Detroit’s recent dominance in the head-to-head matchups can’t be ignored. Expect New York to come out strong and make defensive adjustments to contain Cunningham, while Brunson and Towns take over late.
Prediction: Knicks 112, Pistons 103
Best Bet: Knicks -7.5
Lean on Total: Under 220.5 – expect playoff-intensity defense to slow the pace.
The Knicks get their revenge in Game 1, but this series might be closer than expected.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
