New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Predictions, Odds, Bets & Stats First Round Game 2– 04/21/2025

On Monday, 04/21, the New York Knicks will host the Detroit Pistons for Game 2 in the First Round of the NBA Playoffs. The Knicks won the first game by 11 points (123-112), justifying their third-seed finish. Will the Pistons find some answers against them in the crucial second game? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.

Where to Watch New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons

• Time: 7:30 PM (PT) 
• 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 

Game 1: Pistons impressed in spurts, but Knicks’ experience showed up

It was the beginning of the fourth quarter. Detroit was up by 8 points, and Knicks’ lead guard Jalen Brunson struggled to walk. It looked like a blowout win for the Pistons. But then Karl-Anthony Towns made a mid-range jumper and followed it up with a triple to cut the lead to 3. The Pistons regained their eight-point lead in a jiffy but have allowed the Knicks’ offense to flow freely.

Then, an unexpected event occurred: Knicks bench guard Cameron Payne caught fire. He converted an and-one and followed it up with two triples not long after. This paved for a 21-0 run that buried Detroit’s chances. It also showed their lack of clutch defense, exposing a weakness that haunted them during the tail-end of the season.

A 8/21 night by Pistons lead guard Cade Cunningham didn’t help, but Tobias Harris picked up the slack with an efficient 25-point effort. Malik Beasley delivered 6 triples off the bench while Tim Hardaway Jr. had 19. They should have won with such a well-rounded effort, but their defensive problems occurred at the worst possible time. 

As for the Knicks, Brunson unlocked his 2024 playoffs heroics, coming up with 34 points. KAT did his job with 23 while OG Anunoby carried his post-midseason form to acquire 23 points. But it was Cameron Payne’s 14-point night that seemed to be the difference-maker. Detroit allowed the Knicks to score 40 in the fourth quarter. It showed the lack of playoff experience among the youngsters.

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

New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Total Over/Under Prediction

The first game yielded 235 points, 11-12 over the mark, where the bookmakers assigned identical odds for most parts. However, it had to be expected considering the Pistons’ knack for engaging in high-scoring games. But there is a high chance, we see the score in the early 220s here as both teams will make defensive adjustments. A huge reason why the bookmakers have assigned nearly identical odds in a similar trajectory.

• Total: Under 221.5 for -115 at BetMGM
• Knicks: Points  Under 107.5 for -105  at BetMGM

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

Jalen Brunson to score over 28.5 points: Brunson had an emphatic 34-point night in Game 1, in line with his three 30+ point performances against the Pistons during the Regular Season. Expect similar returns here.

Malik Beasley to knock down over 3.5 triples: Beasley nailed 6 triples in the last game on an excellent 50% clip. I don’t think he will be hit a similar mark but will likely nail 4 here.

Cade Cunningham to be held under 26.5 points: Cunningham couldn’t get going in Game 1, scoring 21 against the superb defense of the Knicks. I believe they will keep him in check again.

New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Game 2 Prediction 

The Knicks showed their experience late in Game 1. At the same time, Detroit also proved that it can take care of business. In fact, they were the better team for most of the game. But this is a Knicks team that scripted many comebacks during the 2024 playoffs and keeps fighting. However, I see them being much more dominant in Game 2 and closing the door before the clutch.

Safe Spread Pick:  Knicks -6.5 for -110 at BetMGM 

Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-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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