Pistons and Knicks Face Off with Playoff Implications on Thursday Night

DETROIT, Mich. — The Detroit Pistons are set to meet the New York Knicks on Thursday, April 10, in a game that carries significant implications for both teams as they navigate the final stretch of the NBA regular season.

The Pistons (43-36) are looking to break a two-game losing streak after recent losses to the Memphis Grizzlies and the Sacramento Kings. Conversely, the Knicks (50-29) are aiming to bounce back from a narrow 119-117 defeat against the Boston Celtics, which halted their own two-game winning streak.

This matchup could serve as a preview for a potential first-round playoff series, as the Pistons are currently holding the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, while the Knicks occupy the third seed. The stakes are high; if New York were to drop all three of their remaining games and the Indiana Pacers win theirs, they could lose their playoff position. However, a tiebreaker favoring the Knicks would apply in that scenario.

With the playoffs looming, both teams are expected to be cautious in their approach. Thus, injuries could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this game, scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Little Caesars Arena.

The Pistons have listed Cade Cunningham as probable, attempting to recover from knee patellar tendinopathy, while Jaden Ivey will remain sidelined due to a left fibula fracture. Tobias Harris is also expected to return with a probable designation due to right heel soreness, crucial for a team missing his defensive prowess and scoring ability. Isaiah Stewart is questionable with right knee inflammation, further complicating Detroit’s lineup.

“Tobias’s contribution is vital,” said Pistons head coach Dwane Casey. “We’ve missed his presence on both ends of the floor, and his return will help with continuity as we prepare for the playoffs.”

Meanwhile, the Knicks will be without four players in a key matchup. OG Anunoby is out due to a right thumb sprain, while Josh Hart deals with right knee patellofemoral syndrome. Ariel Hukporti is also unavailable following left knee meniscus surgery, and Mitchell Robinson is still recuperating from ankle surgery.

“We have to be strategic with our lineups,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau remarked. “Preserving our health is our top priority, but we still want to execute and be competitive as we head into the playoffs.”

The budding rivalry between these two teams has seen the Pistons hold a 2-1 edge in their matchups this season. As Detroit’s young stars, including Cunningham, develop, this game offers a platform for them to showcase their abilities against experienced playoff contenders.

Fans can catch the action live on local television networks MSG and TV20 Detroit, as well as streaming options available through Fubo and NBA League Pass.