New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons Picks and Predictions, Monday, January 5th, 2026
The New York Knicks (23-12) and the Detroit Pistons (25-9) tipoff on Monday in a battle at the top of the Eastern Conference standings in this Knicks vs. Pistons prediction. This is their first of three matchups this season. New York is coming off a home loss against the 76ers, falling 130-119 as 3-5 point favorites. Detroit will be playing their second game in two days, as they are in Cleveland on Sunday (Note: This article was published before Sunday's results). Keep reading to see our Knicks vs. Pistons prediction, and check out all of our winning NBA Picks
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New York Drops Three Straight
The New York Knicks are the second seed in the Eastern Conference, but have been in a slump recently as they have lost their last three games before this trip to Detroit. They lost in San Antonio against the Spurs, then dropped consecutive home games against the Hawks and the 76ers. The roster has been relatively healthy, as their top stars have been on the floor with a few role players sidelined. In their last game against Philadelphia, Jalen Brunson led New York with 31 points in the loss.
Brunson was named an NBA All-Star over the past two seasons, and continues to lead these Knicks as they hope to find more postseason success. He is their point guard who is leading the team with 29.3 PPG and 6.5 APG, while converting 3.0 threes per game on 38.0% shooting from the outside. Brunson has scored 24 or more in each of his last seven games, including a 47-point game against the Heat. Karl-Anthony Towns is their best interior player, he is adding another 22.0 PPG and 11.8 RPG, and can stretch the floor with his outside shot. Mikal Bridges never misses games, he is a reliable wing getting 16.2 PPG while being a strong defensive presence.
OG Anunoby is a forward with multiple skills, he is contributing 15.5 PPG and 5.6 RPG, while Miles McBride increases his role when any starter is down. McBride is an outside shooter scoring 12.4 PPG. New York is ranked 4th in offensive efficiency and 15th in defensive efficiency according to dunksandthrees.com. The Knicks play at a slow pace, ranking 25th in league in possessions per game.
Pistons Have Quick Turnaround
The Detroit Pistons are the top seed in the Eastern Conference, but have hit a tough spot in their schedule, specifically over this early week stretch. The Pistons have lost three of their last four, and must play in Cleveland on Sunday afternoon before travelling home to host the Knicks on the next night. Detroit is dealing with injuries, as Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris will not play in their Sunday afternoon game, and are doubtful to play here.
The Pistons will still have Cade Cunningham, as the former number one overall pick from 2021 is leading the rebuild in Detroit. Cade looks like a lock for another All-Star spot, as he is leading the team with 26.6 PPG and 9.7 APG. Cunningham has scored 27 or more in each of his last four games. If Duren and Harris are out again, the Pistons will need their role players to step up, including 22-year old Ausar Thompson. He is getting 11.6 PPG and 5.7 RPG, and is an athlete on the wing who will be needed against the perimeter scorers on New York.
Duncan Robinson is a strong outside shooter scoring 11.6 PPG, while making 2.8 threes per game on 38.1% shooting from deep. Isaiah Stewart will take the starting center spot with Jalen Duren out with his ankle injury. Detroit is ranked 14th in offensive efficiency and 4th in defensive efficiency. The Pistons are 8th in the NBA in possessions per game as they play at a fast pace.
Injury Report for Knicks vs. Pistons:
Knicks:
- Out: Josh Hart, Landry Shamet
Pistons:
- Out: Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris, Caris LeVert
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Tony Karpinski | +2,494.00 |
| 2 |  Joe Duffy | +1,859.00 |
| 3 |  The Insiders Room | +1,788.00 |
| 4 |  Mark Ruelle | +1,428.00 |
| 5 |  Jackie Mack | +1,400.00 |
Knicks vs. Pistons Picks and Predictions
Spread pick for Knicks vs. Pistons
- Knicks to cover (5 units)
New York has multiples edges in this game, as they are healthier and will not be on a back-to-back here. The Pistons have lost three of their last four, and the news keeps getting worse as they have to play in Cleveland on Sunday, then travel home to host the Knicks as New York is off on Sunday. The biggest issue for the Pistons will be the losses in the frontcourt, as Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris will both miss this game, as they have to face the large New York frontcourt. Karl-Anthony Towns will clearly be a problem, but with no one to box out Mitchell Robinson, the Pistons will be giving up second chance points all game.
Take the Knicks to cover.
Over/Under Pick for Knicks vs. Pistons
- Under (4 units)
The Knicks play at a slow pace, and will slow this game down even more considering their matchup. Detroit likes to play fast, they are ranked 8th in possessions per game, but New York will not want to let them get out on the break, as the Knicks are only 25th in the league in pace of play. The Pistons are going to be guard heavy here, but New York has Bridges and Anunoby as two perimeter stoppers who can slow this game down. New York has the advantage inside, and will use Towns regularly with Duren out. Jalen Brunson will control this game at his slow pace, and keep it under the number.
Take the under.
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