The Knicks head to Detroit as underdogs despite playoff positioning at stake
The Detroit Pistons are set to host the New York Knicks in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup Thursday night with playoff implications for both teams. Despite the Knicks’ better record, oddsmakers have Detroit as 4.5-point favorites on their home court.
New York (50-29) is looking to lock up the No. 3 seed in the East, while Detroit (43-36) is fighting to improve their playoff position.
The game tips off at 7 p.m. ET from Little Caesars Arena.
Both teams are dealing with significant injuries. The Knicks will be without Mitchell Robinson, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart, while the Pistons have Cade Cunningham listed as probable with a knee issue.
New York has been playing well lately, going 7-3 in their last 10 games. They’re averaging nearly 115 points during that stretch while shooting a solid 50.1% from the field.
A win tonight would secure the third seed for the Knicks.
They’re coming off a heartbreaking 119-117 overtime loss to Boston on Tuesday. If current standings hold, they’d face those same Celtics in the second round of the playoffs.
Detroit has been up and down recently, going 5-5 in their last 10 games. They’re putting up almost 117 points per game during that span.
The Pistons currently sit sixth in the East, just two games behind Milwaukee. After facing New York, they’ll play the Bucks twice to close out the regular season.
Interestingly, Detroit has already beaten the Knicks twice this season – both times at Madison Square Garden. They won 120-111 on December 7 and 124-119 on January 13.
Those victories ended a long drought against New York that stretched back to the 2019-20 season.
Despite being underdogs according to the betting line, ESPN’s Basketball Power Index gives the Knicks a 53.7% chance to win tonight’s game.
History is on New York’s side too. The Knicks have dominated this matchup recently, winning 16 of the last 18 meetings. Even more telling – Detroit hasn’t beaten New York at home in their last eight tries.
