Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks Predictions, Odds, Bets & Stats First Round Game 3– 04/24/2025

On Thursday, 04/24, the Detroit Pistons (1-1) will host the New York Knicks (1-1) for Game 3 in the Playoffs’ First Round. The Pistons turned the tables on the Knicks and won Game 2 by 6 points(100-94) to tie the series. Will the Pistons continue their impeccable rhythm on their home floor? Do the Knicks have it in the tank to fight back? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.

Where to Watch Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks

• Time: 7:00 PM (ET) 
• Venue: Little Caesars Arena (New York City, NY)
• Where to watch: This game can be viewed on the NBA League Pass.

Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks Match Preview 

The Pistons are for real

Detroit showed resilience in a gritty Game 2 battle. In Game 1, they conceded an 8-point lead in the final quarter, but avoided such a debacle in the previous game. They jumped to a 7-point lead in the first quarter, limiting the Knicks to just 18 points. The Knicks fought back to cut the lead to 6 at the half.

But the terrific Pistons defense contained them to only 18 points again in the third quarter. They had a familiar 8-point lead entering the final quarter, but the Knicks tied the game with around a minute to go. Then Dennis Schroeder made the biggest three-pointer of the game while the Knicks missed four straight triples.

At the same time, Tobias Harris grabbed two huge defensive rebounds to deny them second-chance points. He finished the game with 13 rebounds, the same as Pistons center Jalen Duren. The Pistons had a distinct 48-34 advantage in the rebounding column.

Cade Cunningham took over the game and pumped in 33 points. He also grabbed 12 boards while making 10 out of 12 free throws. Jalen Brunson continued his red-hot postseason form, akin to last playoffs, dropping a game-high 37 points. Overall, the Knicks made four more three-pointers (10 to 6), but the free-throw advantage belonged to Detroit.

The Cunningham-led squad converted 28 free throws compared to 12 by the Knicks. The biggest difference-maker is apart from rebounding. After the end of the game, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau was fuming about free-throw disparity. However, the Knicks need to win the rebounding battle and get more out of Karl-Anthony Towns(10 points) to win this series.

Knicks Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Jalen Brunson | SG: Josh Hart | SF: OG Anunoby | SF: Mikal Bridges | C: Karl-Anthony Towns

Key bench players: SG: Miles McBride, C: Mitchell Robinson, PG: Cameron Payne.

Injuries/Updates: Nothing significant to report

Pistons Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Cade Cunningham | SG: Tim Hardaway Jr. | SF: Ausar Thompson | PF: Tobias Harris| C: Jalen Duren

Key bench players: SG: Malik Beasley, PG: Dennis Schroeder, C: Isaiah Stewart

Injuries/Updates: Nothing significant to report

Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks Total Over/Under Prediction

The first affair accounted for 235 points while the second affair just 194. The contrast highlights the defensive adjustments made by both squads. The Pistons are showing high-level activity and have upgraded their defense. Thus, we can be in for another low-scorer. However, I see some big offensive performances here, pushing the scoring tally past 210. 

• Total: Over 215.5 for +110 at BetMGM
• Knicks: Points  Over 108.5 for +100 at BetMGM

Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks Player Props Predictions- Projected Top Bets & Odds 

Jalen Brunson to score over 30.5 points: Brunson has compiled 34-point and 37-point performances in the first two games. He becomes a whole different player in the postseason, so I expect him to continue the theme of 30+ games.

Karl-Anthony Towns to put up over 21.5 points: KAT had just 10 points in Game 2, a huge reason why his squad was on the back foot. However, I see him raising the bar in Game 3 and replicating his Game 1 heroics when he had 23 points.

Cade Cunningham to be held under 28.5 points: The Pistons’ elite scorer followed a 21-point performance with a 33-point masterpiece. However, I see the Knicks’ defense regaining its control over him again.

Main pick: Karl-Anthony Towns O 21.5 Points for -115 at BetMGM

Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks Game 3 Prediction 

The Knicks’ confidence would be shaken after Game 2. The Pistons have led for most of the parts during the series, a bothersome issue for the visitors as they were unable to protect their home-court advantage. Thus, New York needs to be much more efficient against the springing Pistons team.

They’d need KAT to bounce back after an average night because his production can be the difference between a win and a loss. I see Towns getting his mojo back here and helping New York win the game in what can be a close fight.

Safe Spread Pick:  Knicks -1.5 for +100 at BetMGM 

Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Shubham Singh

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Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!

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