The Detroit Pistons visit the New York Knicks in an elite NBA Eastern Conference matchup on Tuesday, with the teams off to contrasting starts to the new season.
The Pistons, who were the No. 1 seed in the East last season but lost to the Cavaliers in the conference semifinals, head to Madison Square Garden with a perfect 3-0 record after three comfortable wins over the Celtics, Heat, and 76ers.
The Knicks were only the third seed in the conference last season, but put on a dominant playoff display and beat the Spurs 4-1 in the NBA Finals.
However, their title defense hasn't gotten off to a fast start, and they're 0-3 at home after losing to the 76ers, Celtics, and Magic.
Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks betting picks and predictions
Detroit Pistons +3.5 (-111)
The Knicks have yet to win a game this season, and their three losses have all been by four or more points, but their pedigree, home-court advantage, and some injury issues for the visitors make the New York team the favorite to win on Tuesday night.
The Pistons haven't been greatly troubled by their early bumps and bruises, though, and beat a previously unbeaten Sixers team on the road by 13 points on Sunday, even without Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson, while Isaiah Joe was hurt early in the game.
Their fast start to the season means they merit support as underdogs and they haven't even been close to needing any points to cover the spread so far.
They beat the Celtics by eight at home before starting a three-game road trip with a 17-point win over the Heat in Miami, followed by an impressive 106-93 victory over the 76ers.
While the Pistons handed an unbeaten team their first loss in that game, the Knicks gave the previously winless Magic their first win of the year on Sunday as Orlando scored 40 points in the fourth quarter to come out on top by 111-102.
The NBA champions won't remain winless forever, but they will have better opportunities to lose their 0 than against a confident Pistons team who have hit the ground running this season.
Duncan Robinson over 12.5 points (+100)
Small forward Duncan Robinson has been a key player in the Pistons' fast start, averaging 19.7 points per game, behind only star man Cade Cunningham (21.3). He has been consistent too, with tallies of 21, 17 and 21 points in his first three appearances.
Robinson has been red-hot from downtown in the early action, draining five three-pointers in each of his appearances with a success rate of 53.6 per cent from outside the arc.
His threes made line therefore makes some appeal at -130 for over 2.5 treys, but given his overall contribution to the team, simply backing him to score 13 or more points for the fourth time looks the smarter move.
Karl-Anthony Towns over 34.5 points, rebounds and assists (-110)
Karl-Anthony Towns cannot be blamed for the Knicks' unexpectedly slow start to the season. The NY star is averaging 21 points per game, which is higher than he managed in the regular season (20.1) or the playoffs (15.9) last season, and he will have to play a key role if his team is to have a chance of getting a win on the board tonight.
Towns should be able to post another strong rebounds tally after having 12, 10 and 14 in his first three games and that makes taking the over on his points, rebounds and assists line attractive at 34.5.
KAT's PRA totals so far have been 32, 35 and 40 and with the Pistons lacking rim defenders for this game, he can reach 35 for the third straight game.
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Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks odds
Detroit Pistons | +142 |
New York Knicks | -167 |
Spread | NY Knicks -3.5 |
Total Points | O/U 218.5 |
Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks odds
Player Points
Jalen Brunson (NY Knicks) | O/U 26.5 |
Cade Cunningham (DET Pistons) | O/U 24.5 |
Karl-Anthony Towns (NY Knicks) | O/U 18.5 |
OG Anunoby (NY Knicks) | O/U 16.5 |
John Collins (DET Pistons) | O/U 14.5 |
Duncan Robinson (DET Pistons) | O/U 12.5 |
Pistons vs. Knicks team news
Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (ankle) was hurt in the win over the Heat on Friday and missed the game against the 76ers. However, he has been upgraded to questionable for this game, so a late decision will be made on his participation.
Guard Isaiah Joe suffered a hip injury early in Sunday's game and is questionable, while center Jalen Duren (hamstring) is still unavailable.
The Knicks are in good health, with back-up guard Jose Alvarado (ankle) their only expected absentee.
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
