Knicks vs Pistons NBA Pick: Can New York Take a 2-0 Lead? (Apr 21)

• The Knicks took the opener and lead the series 1-0.
• The Pistons let a golden opportunity slip through their hands.
• These teams last played on Apr. 19, with the Knicks claiming a 123-112 victory.

One of the games on Monday’s NBA slate features the New York Knicks hosting the Detroit Pistons in Game 2 of an Eastern Conference playoff series. Which team comes out on top in our Knicks vs Pistons pick?

Knicks vs Pistons Game 1 Recap

In the series opener between these ball clubs, New York rallied to take a 1-0 lead.

The Knicks’ offense featured five players, including four starters, who reached double figures. Jalen Brunson led the way with 34 points and eight assists.

Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 23 points, 11 boards, five dimes, and four steals. OG Anunoby added 23 points, seven rebounds, and five steals.

Meanwhile, Detroit was balanced from an offensive standpoint as well, with four starters registering double-digit scoring totals. Tobias Harris scored a team-high 25 points and grabbed six rebounds.

Cade Cunningham logged 21 points, 12 assists, and six rebounds. Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in with 19 points on 7-for-13 shooting from the field and 3-for-8 from beyond the arc.

Detroit held its own against New York through the first three quarters and led 98-90 with nine minutes left to play. But New York roared back with a game-changing 21-0 run that flipped an eight-point deficit into a 13-point advantage.

The Knicks outscored the Pistons by a 40-21 margin in the final frame, handing them their 15th consecutive postseason loss.

Knicks vs Pistons Pick: Which Team Has The Advantage In Game 2 Of This First-Round Matchup?

After needing a late-game rally to secure a win in the opener, can the Knicks take a 2-0 lead? Here’s a look at a few trends to help answer this question.

• The Knicks have covered the spread eight times in their last 11 outings.
• New York is 5-1 against the spread in its previous six matchups at Madison Square Garden.
• The Pistons have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games.
• Even more critical, Detroit is just 6-13 against the spread in its previous 20 contests against New York.

Given these trends and the fact that New York withstood Detroit’s best shot in the opener, look for the Knicks to emerge victorious in Game 2.