New York @ Detroit picks

The New York Knicks are the third seed in the Eastern Conference. They are 1-2 SU this season against the Detroit Pistons, with the 'Stones winning both matchups at MSG. Detroit is trying to figure out its rotation after recent injuries, and they've dropped four of five. The Knicks had won five of their previous six until suffering a Tuesday night overtime home loss to Boston. NY is sitting Josh Hart and OG Anunoby, but the Knicks have been the better team down the stretch, and I'll back them to at least cover the number. 

New York will be without starters OG Anunoby and Josh Hart tonight, taking almost 32 points out of the Knicks’ starting five. That means more shots for the remaining rotation players, like Mikal Bridges. Bridges has faced the Pistons three times this year, putting up 15, 20, and 27 points in those meetings. His most recent effort was that scoring high, knocking down 9 of 13 shots (6 for 8 from 3-point range) at home on January 13 with the Knicks at full strength. Player projections all come in over the 16.5-point total, with a ceiling closer to 18 points from Bridges. My number also comes out closer to 18 points, weighing in the missing pieces for New York. That should have the Over 16.5 option priced around -135 instead of the standard -115 ask on player props.

Towns has scored 26 and 21 points in those games but has also played the role of playmaker, with a total of 10 assists coming out of those contests. Towns is averaging over three assists per game on the season, but his passing prowess has taken a step back in recent showings. The versatile 7-footer has dished out three dimes only once in his last six outings, which has pumped up the payout on the Over 2.5 assists tonight. The possibility for passing looms large versus Detroit, with fellow forwards OG Anunoby and Josh Hart sitting out Thursday. That means more touches for KAT in the offense, who averages 4.7 potential assists on the season. The bulk of player models are all north of three assists from Towns, ranging from 2.8 to 3.2 dimes. My projections comes out to just over three helpers, which should have the Over 2.5 assists listed closer to -140 than the Over +130 available.