Knicks vs Pistons: Preview, Odds, and Key Players for Friday’s NBA Matchup

The New York Knicks and the Detroit Pistons are set to face off on Friday, November 1, at Little Caesars Arena, marking the second game of the Knicks’ four-game road trip. The Knicks, currently 2-2, are coming off a 116-107 win against the Miami Heat, led by Karl-Anthony Towns‘ 44 points and 13 rebounds. Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges also contributed significantly with 22 and 17 points, respectively.

The Detroit Pistons, who are 1-4, secured their first win of the season with a 105-95 upset over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. Jaden Ivey scored 23 points, while Cade Cunningham added 22 points and seven assists. Tobias Harris had a notable performance with 18 points and 14 rebounds.

The Knicks are favored by 6.5 points, with the over/under set at 217.5 points. Despite their favorable odds, the Knicks have several key players dealing with injuries, including Mitchell Robinson and Kevin McCullar Jr., who are ruled out, and Karl-Anthony Towns, who is listed as questionable with a wrist injury.

Detroit, however, has shown resilience, covering the spread in three of their last four games, including their recent win over the 76ers. Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey have been standout performers for the Pistons, with Cunningham averaging 25.6 points, 7.4 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, and Ivey averaging 21.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.

The historical context favors the Knicks, who have won 15 straight meetings against the Pistons, including sweeping the three-game series last season. However, the Pistons’ recent form and home advantage could make this game more competitive than the odds suggest.

For betting enthusiasts, the consensus leans towards the Pistons covering the spread, given their recent performances and the favorable matchup against a Knicks team struggling with injuries and defensive vulnerabilities in the paint.