The 2025 NBA playoffs continue on Thursday with Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series between the New York Knicks (3rd seed) and the Detroit Pistons (6th seed) at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Detroit tied the series at one game apiece after defeating the Knicks 100-94 at Madison Square Garden on Monday. Three Pistons players achieved double-doubles in that victory, led by Cade Cunningham, who scored 33 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Detroit`s Isaiah Stewart`s availability for Game 3 is uncertain due to a knee injury, having sat out Game 2.
The game is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET. In their four regular-season meetings, Detroit won three. According to the latest odds at DraftKings Sportsbook, New York is favored by 1.5 points, a shift from the opening line where Detroit was a 1-point favorite. The projected total score (over/under) for the game is 214.5 points. On the moneyline, betting $120 on New York would win $100 (-120), while betting $100 on Detroit would win $101 (+101).
SportsLine`s Projection Model, known for simulating every NBA game 10,000 times, has consistently provided strong returns on top-rated NBA picks over the past six-plus seasons, accumulating well over $10,000 in profit for $100 bettors. The model enters the first full week of the 2025 NBA playoffs with momentum, holding a 156-116 record on all top-rated NBA picks since last season, resulting in nearly $4,000 in profit. This season alone, it boasts a 22-11 (67%) record on top-rated NBA against-the-spread picks.
The model has completed its 10,000 simulations of the Pistons vs. Knicks matchup and has released its highly anticipated NBA picks and betting predictions.
Here are some of the key betting lines for the Knicks vs. Pistons game:
- Knicks vs. Pistons spread: New York -1.5
- Knicks vs. Pistons over/under: 214.5 points
- Knicks vs. Pistons money line: New York -120, Detroit +101
- Betting trend: The Pistons are 3-6 against the spread in their last nine home games.
- Betting trend: The Knicks are 1-4 against the spread in their past five games against Detroit.
Why the Knicks Can Cover
Despite Jalen Brunson`s strong performance in Game 2, where he tallied 37 points and seven assists, it was insufficient to compensate for the Knicks` overall offensive struggles. New York shot poorly from beyond the arc, making only 10 of 35 attempts (28.6%), and was significantly outrebounded 48-34, which contributed to the loss. However, the Knicks typically perform better in these areas; they ranked eighth in 3-point shooting (36.9%) and 12th in offensive rebounding percentage (26.0%) during the regular season.
To improve their performance, the Knicks will need key contributions, particularly from Karl-Anthony Towns. After a dominant Game 1 where he posted 23 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, four steals, and two blocks, his production dropped in Game 2 to just 10 points and six rebounds. The Knicks have historically performed well in Detroit, winning eight of their last nine visits, and have covered the spread in 10 of their last 15 overall games.
Why the Pistons Can Cover
Detroit`s hopes of advancing depend significantly on Cade Cunningham, who had a breakout season that earned him his first NBA All-Star selection. He finished the regular season averaging 26.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game. Cunningham delivered double-doubles in both playoff games so far: 21 points and 12 assists in the Game 1 loss and a leading performance in the Game 2 win.
Cunningham has also shown his ability to perform against the Knicks previously, including a 36-point, eight-assist game in a late regular-season victory and a triple-double (29 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists) in a December win at Madison Square Garden. Tobias Harris has also been productive in the series, averaging 20.0 points and 9.5 rebounds across the first two contests, shooting efficiently at 58.3% from the field and 55.6% from three-point range.
How to Make Pistons vs. Knicks Picks
SportsLine`s model, after simulating the Knicks vs. Pistons game 10,000 times, is leaning towards the Over on the total points, projecting a combined score of 216 points. The model also indicates a strong preference for one side of the point spread, predicting it will cover in well over 50% of the simulations.
For details on which side of the spread the model favors and its full NBA picks, you can visit SportsLine. Those who have followed the model`s top-rated NBA picks have seen significant returns.
So, who wins the Pistons vs. Knicks game, and which side of the spread is the strong play? Visit SportsLine now to find out the model`s pick for the Knicks vs. Pistons game, all from a model that has delivered over $10,000 on its top-rated NBA picks.
Jasper Hawthorne