The NBA Playoffs tip off in Madison Square Garden as the New York Knicks host the Detroit Pistons in Game 1 of their first-round series. Detroit enters as a heavy underdog after a tough regular season, while the Knicks look to start their playoff push on a strong note. Below are our Pistons vs Knicks predictions and picks, including model insights, injury updates, and the best odds to bet on.

Preview of Pistons vs Knicks Prediction

The Knicks are laying a touchdown at home, and the model agrees with the betting market. This matchup features two teams trending in opposite directions — New York is healthy, playing well at home, and entering with momentum, while Detroit limps in off a difficult stretch.

Model Score Prediction:
Knicks 114.4, Pistons 106.2

This aligns closely with the posted spread and confirms the edge is on New York to cover. Knicks -7.0 is one of our top Pistons vs Knicks best bets for Game 1.

Who is Favored to Win Pistons vs Knicks?

The Knicks are the clear favorite with most sportsbooks listing them between -7.0 and -7.5. Our Pistons vs Knicks predictions show New York as the superior team in nearly every category, both on paper and via the model projection.

Injury Reports for Pistons vs Knicks

Pistons Injuries:
Isaiah Stewart (Knee) – Day to Day
Cade Cunningham (Knee) – Day to Day
Jaden Ivey (Leg) – Out
Ausar Thompson (Knee) – Day to Day

Knicks Injuries:
Karl-Anthony Towns (Knee) – Day to Day
OG Anunoby (Thumb) – Day to Day
Josh Hart (Knee) – Day to Day
Jalen Brunson (Ankle) – Day to Day
Ariel Hukporti (Knee) – Out

New York is banged up, but key players like Brunson are expected to suit up. Detroit is more short-handed with a few starters either out or limited.

Pistons vs Knicks Betting Trends

Against the Spread (Last 5 Games):
Pistons: 1-4 ATS
Knicks: 3-2 ATS

Home/Away ATS Splits:
Pistons Away: 0-1 ATS
Knicks Home: 2-1 ATS

Dog/Favorite ATS Trends:
Pistons as Underdog: 0-1 ATS
Knicks as Favorite: 2-1 ATS

New York has been dependable in the favorite role, while Detroit has struggled on the road and overall. The Knicks also boast a stronger cover rate at home in their last five games.

Model Used for Pistons vs Knicks Best Bets

This projection comes from a pre-built NBA model that accounts for recent form, offensive and defensive efficiency, injuries, and adjusted team ratings. The model gives the Knicks a 53.5 percent chance of covering the spread at -7.0, and the true edge lies in grabbing the better line.

If you're betting this one, Pistons vs Knicks picks based on this model lean toward the Knicks to cover the number.

Best Odds for Pistons vs Knicks

To maximize value on this playoff matchup, the best line on the board is Knicks -6.5 at MGM (-115). Most other books have moved the line to -7.0 or even -7.5.

Pistons vs Knicks best odds for spread betting:
MGM: Knicks -6.5 (-115)

My Pick for Pistons vs Knicks

Pick: Knicks -6.5 (-115 at MGM)

The Knicks have been covering at home, and this is a favorable matchup for them to build an early series lead. With the Pistons' inconsistent scoring and injury concerns, laying 6.5 in Game 1 offers enough value to back New York in what could be a double-digit win.

If you're tailing Pistons vs Knicks picks, shop the spread at -6.5 before it disappears.

Explore More Pistons vs Knicks Prediction

Looking for more AI-powered predictions? Check out:

• AI Sports Betting insights for smarter decision-making.
• NBA AI Sports Predictions for advanced game insights.
• Computer NBA Picks for expert computer-driven predictions.
• NBA PrizePicks for AI PrizePick predictions.
• AI NBA Player Props for deeper in-game data

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