The Detroit Pistons (8-48) travel to the New York Knicks (34-23) to play in Madison Square Garden. Although this game is expected to be a comfortable win for the hosts, anything can happen. It can be hard to judge regular season games on a Monday in the NBA.
Regardless, the line and majority of fans show how many believe this game will play out. Moreover, they played in the Big Apple earlier, and it was only a six-point victory for the home team then. However, that was in November. A lot has happened since then and the two teams look vastly different now.
But how do you see the game playing out this time around?
Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Detroit Pistons | +11 -110 |
O 223.5 -110 |
+425 |
| New York Knicks | -11 -110 |
U 223.5 -110 |
-575 |
| ** Odds Courtesy Of DraftKings SportsBook** | |||
Fixture: Detroit Pistons @ New York Knicks
Date And Time: February 26, 2024 @ 7:30 p.m. EST
Location: Madison Square Garden in New York, New York
Key Stats
Detroit Pistons (Averages)
Points: 112.8
Points Allowed: 121.9
Field Goal Efficiency: 42.3/89.5 for 47.3%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 11.2/31.0 for 36.2%
Free Throw Efficiency: 16.9/21.9 for 77.3%
Rebounds: 11.1 Offensive, 32.4 Defensive, 43.5 Combined
Assists: 26.5
Steals: 6.0
Blocks: 4.9
Turnovers: 14.8
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 44.2/89.5 for 49.4%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 11.9/31.4 for 38.1%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 21.5/26.4 for 81.4%
Rebounds Against: 9.6 Offensive, 33.0 Defensive, 42.6 Combined
Detroit will miss Isaiah Stewart for the matchup. He sits out as part of his three-game suspension. But even if he played, it’s doubtful they would have been able to compete with the New York Knicks. Barring a complete off day, this may get ugly in a hurry for the visitors. They lost their last five games. Moreover, they lost three straight away games. But they only lost to the Clippers by six points in the Crypto.com Arena. Their latest defensive outputs and overall inability to consistently score will make it rough.
this view of Cade Cunningham hitting the clutch layup to tie the game last night is insane 🔥🔥
(Via IG Pierrebacall). pic.twitter.com/iqGW3N9PsX
— nick (@nsitto2) February 25, 2024
But Cade Cunningham continues to impress. He scored 26 points and 30 points in his last two games respectively. At 22.2 points per game on 45.3% from the field, he’s a fun player to watch. However, Jalen Duren is coming on as a scoring contributor as well. The center has scored at least 15 points in his last two games. Additionally, he’s averaging 14.0 points per game and 12.0 rebounds per game. He is posed to have a good game against a depleted New York Knicks frontcourt.
New York Knicks (Averages)
Points: 114.2
Points Allowed: 109.8
Field Goal Efficiency: 421.5/88.9 for 46.7%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 13.0/35.2 for 36.9%
Free Throw Efficiency: 18.1/23.1 for 78.7%
Rebounds: 12.8 Offensive, 33.0 Defensive, 45.7 Combined
Assists: 23.6
Steals: 7.3
Blocks: 3.9
Turnovers: 12.4
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 40.9/86.3 for 47.4%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 12.8/34.6 for 37.0%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 15.2/19.9 for 76.1%
Rebounds Against: 9.9 Offensive, 30.3 Defensive, 40.2 Combined
New York was run out of the building against the Boston Celtics. They need to bounce back and show that the current cast can compete for a higher seed in the East. However, avoiding a letdown game against the Detroit Pistons is a priority. Especially as the last game was close. But a Tom Thibodeau-coached team is good at avoiding regular season dropoffs, especially after a disappointing loss. Even if they had beat Boston, New York would come out to play. But especially because of how they lost, it’s more likely than not that they will keep their starters in and get things right against the Pistons.
Jalen Brunson is in attack mode already. Irish spring green pic.twitter.com/4WVxGQuSxV
— Player Rizz Magazine (@PlayerRizz) February 25, 2024
Jalen Brunson remains a force. Despite losing, he still put up 34 points. Also, Josh Hart remains a good secondary offensive option as he contributed 16 points on six of ten shooting. But Donte DiVincenzo needs to have something of a bounce-back game. Although he shot 50% from three, he only produced 12 total points. Look for the New York Knicks to give him looks and better opportunities to help out Brunson in the scoring department.
Game Prediction
This game will be a bruising battle. Especially as the New York Knicks focus on defense first, this may become a slow-paced game. However, the Detroit Pistons will look to keep it close and steal one at the Garden. Regardless, you can expect the hosts to win and make sure that it is by a wide margin. Normally, I’d be afraid of taking a double-digit favorite, but considering how their game against the Celtics went, I like New York to cover the spread.
Additionally, I see the game total being too high. While Cunningham can score, it’s hard to see where enough production will come to get enough scoring. Therefore, I am taking the Under here. Even if Cunningham isolates a matchup he likes, his teammates will not be able to produce enough other scoring to threaten the over tonight.
Final Pick
New York Knicks -11 and Under 223.5
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
