The New York Knicks get a second chance to close out their first-round series against the Detroit Pistons after losing Game 5 at home. Oddly enough, on the road, the odds may be in the Knicks’ favor.
This series has seen what might be a home-field disadvantage. The Pistons have lost both games played at home in Detroit, while the Knicks have lost two out of three games at Madison Square Garden.
Officiating could decide how Game 6 turns out, as some argue it did in Game 4. Will there be a more hands-off approach tonight, or will officials call more fouls as they did in Game 5? Given the stakes and the tensions seen throughout this series, this game may be physical anyway.
On the offensive end, the Knicks will need Karl-Anthony Towns to step up again, as he did during Game 4. Both he and Jalen Brunson will need to lead.
While the Knicks had six players, including Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson, score in double digits in Game 5, there was no clear leader on the court, especially in the final minutes, with Brunson leaving the court due to an injury and then waiting on the sidelines for a dead ball to check in. By the time he stepped onto the court, there were just 27 seconds left in the game.
As for Towns, he’s got to avoid foul trouble on the defensive end and be more decisive on offense. He has a habit of becoming invisible on the court, despite being a centerpiece of the Knicks’ offense.
Towns is averaging 29 points in the games in Detroit this series. The odds are he’ll have a big game again and propel the Knicks to victory and move them on to the second round to face a formidable opponent: the Boston Celtics.
How to Watch New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons
Tonight’s Knicks-Pistons game tips off just after 7:30 PM Eastern.
It airs live on TNT for national audiences, MSG in New York, and FanDuel Sports Network – Detroit. It streams live on TNT’s digital platforms, the Gotham Sports App, and Max.
New York Knicks at Detroit Pistons
Date and Time: Thursday, May 1, 2025, 7:30 PM Eastern
Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
TV: TNT, MSG, Fan Duel Sports Network – Detroit
Streaming: TNT app, Max, Gotham Sports App, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, YouTube TV
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