Detroit (0-1) at NY Knicks (1-0)
- When: Apr 21 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, USA
- TV: TNT
NBA Playoff Preview & Prediction: Pistons at Knicks
Line: Knicks -6.5 | Total: 220.0
Knicks Aim to Go Up 2-0
The New York Knicks pulled off a fourth-quarter surge in Game 1, turning an eight-point deficit into a dominant 123-112 win. Now, they’ll look to build on that momentum and take a commanding 2-0 series lead on their home court Monday night.
Jalen Brunson overcame a shaky start (2-of-13 shooting) to erupt for 34 points, including 12 in the final frame, leading a 21-0 Knicks run that completely flipped the game. New York forced eight turnovers in the fourth and shot nearly 71% from the field during the closing stretch. OG Anunoby added a steady 23 points, with Karl-Anthony Towns also chipping in 23.
The Knicks’ defense buckled down when it mattered most, and if they can replicate that intensity from the tip, Detroit could be in trouble early.
Pistons Look to Bounce Back
Detroit led by as much as eight entering the final quarter but crumbled under pressure, especially on offense. Cade Cunningham had 21 points but struggled with efficiency (8-for-21), and while Tobias Harris dropped 25, the Pistons couldn’t survive their 31.8% fourth-quarter shooting.
Turnovers killed any momentum, and foul trouble limited key big man Isaiah Stewart to under a minute of action in the final quarter. With their 15-game playoff losing streak now extended, the Pistons desperately need a response in Game 2 to avoid falling into a 0-2 hole.
Betting Outlook & Prediction
New York has the edge in postseason experience and late-game execution, and with home-court advantage and the confidence gained from Game 1’s finish, the Knicks are in prime position to cover the spread again.
The total could be a coin flip depending on how Detroit adjusts defensively, but expect New York to dictate the tempo again late.
Final Score Prediction: Knicks 113, Pistons 104
Pick: Knicks -6.5
Lean: Under 220
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
