The New York Knicks sit just one game away from reaching the Eastern Conference semifinals yet again, but their 3-1 series lead over the Detroit Pistons hasn’t come easily.
After surviving numerous close calls, my Pistons vs. Knicks predictions will explain why this game should be just as tight, and may ultimately come down to both defenses deciding the outcome.
Let’s dig into some NBA picks for Tuesday, April 29.
Who will win Pistons vs Knicks Game 5?
The Knicks are currently treading water in this series, coming in with a +0.6 Net Rating through four games, and while it’s been a difficult road we can’t lose sight of the fact that this team was far superior on the defensive end down the stretch of the regular season and for most of the year was one of the more efficient offenses in the game.
New York has done an excellent job in defending the rim, where Detroit has taken the majority of its looks, and while the Pistons are winning on the glass the larger sample of the regular season would tell us that this gap should close.
It should be a close one, and I wouldn’t lay points, but the Knicks should find the margins necessary to win.
Pistons vs Knicks prediction
My best bet: Under 214.5 (-105 at bet365)
This has been one of the most captivating series in the playoffs, and it’s been made better by the growth this New York Knicks frontcourt has seen. They’ve allowed the seventh-best field goal percentage at the rim – a cool 63% clip – against a team which has pounded the ball inside all year and won with its physicality.
New York may be getting torched on the glass, but it’s remained strong on defense down low which has made up for its lack of scoring down there. It’s also remained strong from three, though it’s still taken quite a few shots from out there, and that has helped buoy the ship in chorus with plenty of makes from the mid-range.
I just don’t see this as a sustainable approach for offense either way. The Knicks are holding firm up front, despite the fact that this is not the strength of the defense, and New York is taking a ton of shots inside just to be met by an incredible frontcourt.
The Detroit Pistons are also in command of the glass, which is taking possessions away from the stronger of the two offenses, and while New York is still shooting well from outside in this series it’s due for some shooting variance at some point – even though Detroit has been weak around the perimeter.
The Knicks’ shortened playoff rotation simply doesn’t have enough firepower from outside, and on top of that Jalen Brunson has also been injured twice in this series already. There’s a chance he’s knocked out of this game or limited by his ailing ankle.
I’m going to put my claim down that this is a classic elimination game rock fight.
Pistons vs Knicks same-game parlay
Under 214.5
Karl-Anthony Towns 2+ made threes
Mikal Bridges Over 15.5 points
I’m going to stack a couple of Knicks here, beginning with Karl-Anthony Towns. New York continues to shoot the ball well against a poor Pistons three-point defense, and Towns has begun to step outside the arc more as his team looks to exploit this weakness.
The Knicks’ shooting frequency from outside has been low all year, and Towns has been a culprit, but it’s creeping back up as they look to find any edge possible. Towns has now taken seven or more three-pointers in back-to-back games, going 9-for-15 in all.
Then, I’ll take the discount and grab Mikal Bridges to have a bounce-back game. Even on a bad shooting night, he still put up 12 shots and six three-pointers, and he’d gone for 19 or more in back-to-back games prior to his Game 4 clunker. He’s playing a huge role on offense and that should continue against a Pistons team which has been dreadful against the mid-range jumper.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Pistons vs Knicks odds
Pistons vs Knicks live odds
Pistons vs Knicks opening odds
- Spread: Detroit +5.5 (-110) | New York -5.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Detroit +190 | New York -230
- Over/Under: Over 213.5 | Under 213.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Pistons vs Knicks spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Knicks are 23-20 against the spread at home.
- Detroit is just 1-3 ATS in the playoffs.
- The Under is 20-19-1 after a Detroit loss.
Pistons vs Knicks trend
The Over is just 2-2 in this series and 19-20 when New York is a home favorite. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Knicks.
How to watch Pistons vs Knicks
| Location | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date | Tuesday, 4-29-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT |
Pistons vs Knicks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
