Image Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons Head to Head- Which Team Holds Advantage in the NBA Playoffs?

Let's go through the head-to-head record of the Knicks and the Pistons ahead of their first round clash.

Image Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

After an exciting regular season, action in the NBA has reached the 2025 playoffs stage. In the first round clash, we have the New York Knicks locking horns with the Detroit Pistons in a best-of-seven format which began on April 19. The Knicks made it to the playoffs as the third seeds with a 51-31 record. On the other hand, the Pistons have booked the sixth spot in the standings with a 44-38 tally.

The Knicks won 50 games for the second consecutive season, and are a spot lower than where they finished in the 2023-24 season. Jalen Brunson, who missed 15 games towards the end of the regular season with an ankle sprain, featured in the opening game and finished with game-winning 34 points. Brunson led the Knicks in points and finished with an average of 26.0, 2.9 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game this season.

On the other hand, the Pistons have refined their performance significantly since the All-Star Break. They have posted a 15-27 record and have the ninth-best net rating in the NBA. Their star, Cade Cunningham missed a few games with calf injury but finished seventh in the points scored this season. He averaged 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game this season. He was also fourth in the assists’ category.

Since action has moved to a stage where every win matters, both teams will put in their best show and aim to clinch the first round series in order to pave their way to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. However, before the action gets going at Madison Square Garden in New York, let us have a look at how they have performed against each other in the past editions.

Also Read: 2025 NBA Playoffs Schedule – What Is the First Round Schedule for the Western Conference?

New York vs. Detroit NBA Playoffs Head-to-Head- Who Holds Advantage in the Playoffs?

The New York Knicks and the Detroit Pistons have clashed against each other in a total of three NBA Playoff series so far, and it is the fourth time they are playing against each other. The Knicks have an upper hand over the Pistons with a 2-1 record. However, in terms of games, both teams have played 15 playoff games so far, where the Pistons have managed to win eight games while the Knicks have won seven games.

The first time they were up against each other in a playoff series was in 1984 during the Eastern Conference First Round. The series saw the Knicks taking down their counterparts 3-2 to step ahead in the championship race.

Knicks vs Pistons Overall Head-to-Head- Which Team Holds All-Time Advantage?

The Knicks and the Pistons share an overall head-to-head record of 416 games, which include 401 regular season games, and 16 playoff games so far. The Knicks have won 230 games over the Pistons in total, including 222 regular season games and eight playoff games. On the other hand, the Pistons took down their rivals in 187 games, including 179 regular season games and eight playoff games.

In the ongoing season, both teams have been encountered in four regular-season games, where the Pistons maintained a 3-1 dominance over their counterparts.

The Game 1 of their ongoing series saw the Knicks taking down the Pistons 123-112. While Brunson led the Knicks with 34 points, two rebounds, and eight assists, Tobias Harris came up with 25 points, and six rebounds for the Pistons. Both sides will now meet in Game 2 on Monday, April 21 at Madison Square Garden.

Knicks vs. Pistons Game 2 Odds- Who Is More Likely to Win Game 2?

New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons	Odds
New York Knicks	-6.5 (-115)
Moneyline	-275
Detroit Pistons	+6.5(-105)
Moneyline	+220
Over	220.5 (-110)
Under	220.5 (-110)

According to the odds by BetMGM, the New York Knicks are highly likely to win the game with a spread of 6.5. In addition, the odds suggest that the Knicks will win the series with -700 odds while the Pistons have the odds of +500. In fact, the Knicks would win the series 4-1 with favorable odds of +225.

Also Read: 2025 NBA Playoffs Schedule – What Is the First Round Schedule for the Eastern Conference?

2025 NBA Playoffs

Detroit Pistons

New York Knicks

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.