- Get expert betting predictions and analysis for the Pistons vs. Knicks.
- New York is -425 to win Round 1.
- The Knicks are 7.5-point favorites for Saturday’s Game 1.
Basketball fans will be treated to an excellent point guard battle during a first-round matchup between the No. 3 New York Knicks (51-31) and No. 6 Detroit Pistons (44-38). Game 1 will begin at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday in Madison Square Garden (ESPN).
Jalen Brunson and the Knicks are huge favorites in this series, but Cade Cunningham and the Pistons have surprised people all year. Despite having the worst record in the league last season, Detroit secured its first playoff berth since 2019.
The Pistons haven’t won a playoff series since 2008, but can they pull off an upset?
Here’s a look at the latest NBA betting lines for the Pistons vs. Knicks and my prediction ahead of Saturday’s Game 1:
Pistons vs. Knicks Odds: Game 1
- Pistons spread: +7.5 (-115)
- Knicks spread: -7.5 (-105)
- Total: 220.5
Pistons vs. Knicks Round 1 Odds
According to the latest NBA odds, the Knicks are -425 to win Round 1 for an implied probability of 80.95%. The Pistons have a 23.53% chance of advancing with a series price of +325.
Pistons series price: +325
Knicks series price: -425
Pistons vs. Knicks Prediction: Game 1 & Series Best Bet
Based on the updated NBA betting market, my predictions for the Pistons vs. Knicks matchup involve backing New York in the first half of Game 1 and Brunson to finish as the top scorer (+225) as my best series bet.
Starting with the series play, Brunson has the second-best odds to finish this Round 1 matchup with the most points. Cunningham is +200 to lead this series in scoring after averaging 26.1 points per game in the regular season.
However, Brunson (26 ppg this year) has several key factors on his side to finish as the top scorer over Cunningham.
For one, Brunson has the experience edge, as this is Cunningham’s playoff debut. Brunson has scored 1,171 playoff points in his career, including an average of 30.3 points per game since joining the Knicks.
The Knicks run things through Brunson, particularly in the playoffs. Last year, he averaged 10 minutes of possession over the two Knicks’ postseason series. For context, Brunson led the league in time of possession (8.6 minutes) per game during this past regular season.
Brunson also has a matchup advantage. If the Pistons start by having Jalen Duren defend Karl-Anthony Towns, as they did in the regular season, Brunson will repeatedly run pick-and-rolls with KAT until they make an adjustment.
Speaking of which, I expect the Knicks to set the tone in Game 1. The lights will be bright for the Pistons on Saturday, particularly if the Knicks can get off to their usual hot start.
New York ranked fifth in the league with a net rating of +6.2 in the first half of games this year. That mark jumps up to +9.9 when playing at home.
Don’t be surprised when the Knicks race out to a comfortable lead in the first half.
Game 1 prediction: Knicks in 1H
Series prediction: Jalen Brunson to finish with the most points (+225)
Pistons vs. Knicks Series History
| Date | Home | Result | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 10 | DET | DET 115, NY 105 | DET -3.5 | Under 229 |
| Jan. 13 | NY | DET 124, NY 119 | DET +8 | Over 224.5 |
| Dec. 7 | NY | DET 120, NY 111 | DET +8 | Over 222.5 |
| Nov. 21 | DET | NY 128, DET 98 | NY -6.5 | Over 219 |
Pistons Betting Insights & Trends
Knicks Betting Insights & Trends
When Was the Last Time the Pistons Won a Playoff Series?
The Pistons haven’t won a playoff series since 2008, when they reached the conference finals. Detroit has lost three first-round matchups over the last 17 years.
When Was the Last Time the Knicks Won a Playoff Series?
The Knicks have advanced to the conference semifinals in back-to-back years, earning a 4-2 series win over the Philadelphia 76ers during the opening round last summer.
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