- Get expert betting predictions and analysis for the Pistons vs. Knicks.
- New York is -425 to win Round 1.
- The Knicks are 6.5-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 at 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: +6.5
- Knicks spread: -6.5
- 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’s first-half spread (-3.5) in Game 1 and the Knicks’ series spread -1.5 (-145) as my best series bet.
Starting with the series play, I don’t agree with the market that this will be a competitive series. The Knicks have struggled against elite teams, but they have generally beat up on inferior squads.
New York went 6-16 against the top 10 teams in the league, but cleaned up against the middle 10 (19-12), and bottom 10 (26-13) this year.
Detroit finished 14th in the league in wins (44) and 12th in net rating (+2.1), taking advantage of a soft Eastern Conference to clinch a postseason berth. For what it’s worth, 21 of the Pistons’ 44 wins came against the bottom 10 teams in the league.
The Pistons have been a great story after posting the worst record in basketball last year, but the postseason is a different level. And the Knicks have the advantage, reaching the conference semifinals the last two years. That’s why I expect New York to make quick work of Detroit, winning the series in six games or fewer.
In addition, 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’ 1H spread (-3.5)
Series prediction: Knicks series spread -1.5 (-145)
Pistons vs. Knicks Series Schedule
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Saturday, April 19 | 6 p.m. | ESPN |
| Game 2 | Monday, April 21 | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Game 3 | Thursday, April 24 | 7 p.m. | TNT |
| Game 4 | Sunday, April 27 | 1 p.m. | ABC |
| Game 5 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Game 6 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Game 7 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
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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