Game Details:
Matchup: Pistons vs. Knicks
Date & Time: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 7:30 PM ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Betting Line: Knicks -11.5 | Over/Under: 214.5

Key Storylines

Knicks Look to Lock In Playoff Push

The Knicks come into tonight’s Eastern Conference clash riding a three-game winning streak as they battle for playoff seeding. Their elite defense and efficient offense have surged in April, largely powered by the steady hand of Jalen Brunson and the return of Julius Randle to form. At home, the Knicks have been rock solid, covering the spread in 64% of their games at Madison Square Garden this season.

Rebuilding Pistons Continue to Struggle

The Pistons enter Madison Square Garden with one of the league’s worst records, sitting firmly in rebuild mode. While youngsters Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey have had flashes of brilliance, Detroit remains shaky on both ends, ranking 29th in defensive rating and 27th in scoring. On the road, they’re just 6-34 this season. They’ll face one of their toughest defensive tests of the year against a Knicks squad that allows just 106.2 PPG (2nd in NBA).

Season Series Recap

The Knicks have won both previous matchups against the Pistons this season, including a dominant 112-94 victory back in February. They’re 8-2 in the last 10 games head-to-head and have covered in five of the last six meetings at home.

Injury Report

Pistons:
Out: Bojan Bogdanović (calf), Isaiah Stewart (shoulder), Ausar Thompson (hip)
Questionable: Jalen Duren (ankle)

Knicks:
Out: OG Anunoby (elbow), Mitchell Robinson (ankle)
Questionable: Donte DiVincenzo (knee)

Betting Trends

Against the Spread (ATS):
Pistons: 26-51 ATS this season
Knicks: 45-32 ATS this season

Over/Under Trends:
The total has gone under in 9 of the last 12 Knicks games
The total has gone over in 7 of the last 10 Pistons games

Player Prop to Watch

Jalen Brunson (Knicks) – Points Total: 24.5
Brunson has averaged 27.1 PPG in April and has feasted against teams with poor perimeter defense. With Detroit ranking near the bottom in opponent guard scoring, this is a favorable matchup for Brunson to hit the over.

Cade Cunningham (Pistons) – Points + Assists: 28.5
The Pistons will rely heavily on Cunningham’s playmaking. If you’re looking for value, the over on his combined output may be worth a look, even in a tough matchup.

Prediction & Best Bets

Spread: Knicks -11.5 → The Pistons have been consistently blown out against top-tier competition. Knicks’ home-court dominance and elite defense give them a clear edge.

Total: Under 214.5 → New York games have skewed under lately, and with Detroit struggling offensively, points could be at a premium.

Player Prop: Jalen Brunson Over 24.5 points → He’s been hot and should exploit Detroit’s weak backcourt defense.

Final Score Prediction: Knicks 108, Pistons 92