Pistons vs Knicks 2025 NBA Playoff First Round Betting Preview

The Mecca of Madison Square Garden hosts the first game of the Eastern Conference No. 3 vs No. 6 playoff series as the New York Knicks welcome the Detroit Pistons in NBA playoff first-round action.

The storylines write themselves as the improving Pistons look to upset the Knicks. Dive into our Pistons vs Knicks NBA playoffs first round betting preview, with the odds and my best bets:

Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks Series Winner Odds

Team	Moneyline
Detroit Pistons	-460
New York Knicks	+360

The Motor City kids meet the men from the Mecca in the first round of the NBA playoffs. With the young Pistons looking to upset the more experienced Knicks team, the results from game to game of this series could change drastically.

On the one hand, the Knicks are well equipped for another deep playoff run. With the scoring skills of Karl Anthony-Towns, Tom Thibodeau's team is less likely to get bogged down in the halfcourt when team's blitz Jalen Brunson. However, the upstart Pistons can shoot the lights out. Detroit boasts five rotation players who shoot 34% or higher from beyond the arc, and have the potential to consistently knock down threes and stay in ball games.

Dive into all the NBA playoffs series prices.

Pistons vs Knicks Series Schedule

Game	Date	Time (ET)	Arena
Game 1	Sat. April 19, 2025	6 p.m.	Madison Square Garden
Game 2	TBA	TBD	Madison Square Garden
Game 3	TBA	TBD	Little Caesars Arena
Game 4	TBA	TBD	Little Caesars Arena
Game 5 (If Necessary)	TBA	TBD	Madison Square Garden
Game 6 (If Necessary)	TBA	TBD	Little Caesars Arena
Game 7 (If Necessary)	TBA	TBD	Madison Square Garden

Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks 2024-25 Spread and Total Betting History

Date	Spread & Score Result	Total Points & Result
Nov 1, 2024	New York 106 @ Detroit 115 (-3.5) Pistons Cover	O/U 229 (UNDER)
Dec 7, 2024	Detroit 124 @ New York 119 (-8.5) Pistons Cover	O/U 224.5 (OVER)
Jan 13, 2025	Detroit 120 @ New York 111 (-8) Pistons Cover	O/U 222.5 (OVER)
Apr 10, 2025	New York 128 @ Detroit 98 (+6.5) Knicks Cover	O/U 218.5 (OVER)

Bettors need to take note, the Pistons have gone 3-1 ATS in their last four games against the Knicks. Detroit covered 56% of games as an underdog this season, and went a sparkling 22-14-1 after a loss. Pointing towards perhaps a Pistons Game 2 cover (should they lose Game 1) being our best bet for this series.

Intriguingly, the OVER has hit in seven of the last 10 Pistons vs Knicks contests.

Pistons Player to Watch: Cade Cunningham

Cunningham ripped the Knicks' defense to pieces this season, averaging an eye-popping 30.8 points to go along with 8.3 assists and 5 rebounds per game.

As the NBA Most Improved Player Award favorite, Cunningham's game has grown by leaps and bounds. The addition of competent playmakers around him, and a competent coach surely helped.

If Cunningham can consistently outplay his counterpart Jalen Brunson in the playoffs, and manage to find his cadre of knockdown shooters, Detroit could make this series interesting.

Knicks Player to Watch: Jalen Brunson

Brunson made a triumphant return to the floor in the last week of the season, but the question is are there any lingering effects from his ankle injury?

In four games since returning from his month long absence, Brunson has averaged 21 points, on 43.5% shooting. The Knicks need Brunson to find his form quickly in the postseason. After all, the point guard devastated the Pistons this season, averaging 28.3 points and 7.8 assists per game.

Pistons vs Knicks Series Expert Prediction: Knicks to Win Game 1 and Series -210

Ultimately, there's little value on taking New York to come out on top. Analysts and sportsbooks alike agree that the Knicks veterans should be able to dismiss the upstart Pistons with ease.

However, I do like the idea of finding value on the Pistons as underdogs here. Especially after a loss. Cunningham is good enough to steal a game or two, and has the shooting around him for success. That being said, Detroit's lack of playoff experience will be their downfall in the Pistons vs Knicks first round matchup.