New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons First Round Game 1 Predictions, Odds, Bets & Stats – 04/19/2025

On Saturday, 04/19, the New York Knicks (51-31) will host the Detroit Pistons (44-38) in Game 1 of the First Round in the NBA Playoffs. The Knicks finished with the third seed while the Pistons finished with the sixth seed. Will Cade Cunningham help the Detroit Pistons defeat the stacked Knicks? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.

Where to Watch New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons

Time: 3:30 PM (ET)
Venue: Madison Square Garden (New York City, NY)
Where to watch: This game can be viewed on the NBA League Pass.

New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Match Preview

Slow finish for both squads

New York Knicks: The Knicks will enter the postseason after undergoing a three-game losing streak before a win against the struggling Brooklyn Nets. The team had a solid 37-18 record at one point, but since then, they acquired a 14-13 record, which is surprising considering their talent pool. The injury to Jalen Brunson caused some fluctuations, but the team suffered some underwhelming spells despite having him. Overall, the team’s defense was strong as they gave up 111.7 points per game(9th), but honestly, the Knicks should have been in the top five.

Detroit Pistons: The Pistons overachieved this season in many ways. However, their deficiencies did show up at the tail-end of the season. The team had an 11-12 record in the last quarter of the season. But despite some disturbances, Cade Cunningham has been incredible. He peaked in March and propelled the Pistons to produce 120.2 points per game(6th). The defense can have some lapses, but offensively, Detroit has a lot of tools from many areas.

Match-ups: The Knicks have an edge

While Cunningham raised hell in New York throughout the season, Jalen Brunson had some incredible returns, too. This PG match-up is the main duel of the series. Meanwhile, Josh Hart provides terrific all-around two-way chops at the off-guard position for New York, and may have a slight edge over isolation master, Tim Hardaway Jr. Knicks forwards Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby can punch a major advantage over Pistons forwards Ausar Thompson and Tobias Harris.

Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns will need to earn a decisive edge over Jalen Duren in the center position. Meanwhile, Malik Beasley will need to get back in rhythm and help Detroit to a big advantage as the long-range bomber. Overall, New York has some substantial match-up edges, but the hot hand of Cunningham can negate that.

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.

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.

Injuries/Updates: Nothing significant to report

New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Total Over/Under Prediction

The Pistons regularly figured in the 115-124 range against the Knicks throughout their season series. Meanwhile, the Knicks also had some strong offensive nights, but their defense wasn’t good enough. However, I see New York defeating the regular-season trends and pinning down Detroit below 110 here. The overall score can be in the 215-222 range.

Total: Under 220.5 for -110 at BetMGM
Knicks: Points Over 106.5 for -110 at BetMGM

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

Jalen Brunson to score over 28.5 points: Brunson averaged 26 PPG during the season but missed around a month due to an injury from March to April, which impacted his performances. He had a strong tally against the Pistons, averaging 28.2 PPG against them, having three 30+ point performances before injury. I believe he will have a 30+ piece here, too.

Karl-Anthony Towns to pull down 14.5 rebounds: KAT has the second-best rebounding output this season, tallying 12.8 RPG. He averaged 10.6 RPG against Detroit this season, but I see him hitting the 15 mark here.

Cade Cunningham to be held under 25.5 points: Cunningham accumulated 26.1 PPG this season. He exploded for 29.2 PPG against the Knicks this Regular Season. However, I see the tight Knicks defense holding him below 25.

Main pick: Karl Anthony Towns O 11.5 rebounds for -120 at BetMGM

New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Match Prediction

The Pistons are in great shape against the Knicks, considering their 3-1 edge during the regular-season series. However, I see the New York Knicks unlocking their best version in the playoffs. OG Anunoby finished the season on a high, whereas Brunson got an extended rest. I believe the Knicks will put on a defensive clinic and explode on the offensive end late in the game. They may win by 6+ points here.

Safe Spread Pick: Knicks -6.5 for -115 at BetMGM

Photo Credit: David Reginek-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!