The Detroit Pistons, owners of the NBA’s best record and riding a three-game winning streak, return from the All-Star break to face the New York Knicks in an Eastern Conference showdown. The Pistons have dominated this series so far this season with blowout wins, but the Knicks, bolstered by a recent offensive surge including a 138-89 rout of Philadelphia, aim to defend home court despite key injuries. This matchup features star guards Cade Cunningham and Jalen Brunson, with Detroit’s elite defense (league-leading 102.5 opponent PPG) clashing against New York’s potent scoring (117.2 PPG).
Venue Location
Madison Square Garden
New York, New York
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: Amazon Prime Video and MSG
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Injury Report
The Pistons are dealing with suspensions from a recent brawl, thinning their frontcourt, while the Knicks continue to manage long-term absences in their backcourt and center rotation. These injuries could force both teams to rely on bench depth, potentially impacting rebounding (Pistons lead league at 45.6 RPG) and perimeter defense.
| Team | Player | Position | Status | Reason |
| Pistons | Jalen Duren | C | Out | League Suspension |
| Pistons | Isaiah Stewart | PF | Out | League Suspension |
| Pistons | Ronald Holland II | F | Out | Personal Reasons |
| Knicks | OG Anunoby | SF | Out | Right Toe; Toenail Avulsion |
| Knicks | Miles McBride | G | Out | Pelvic; Core Muscle Surgery |
| Knicks | Mitchell Robinson | C | Out | Left Ankle; Injury |
| Knicks | Pacome Dadiet | G | Out | G League – On Assignment |
Detroit will start Paul Reed at center without Duren and Stewart, boosting his recent production (22 points in last game). New York shifts more minutes to Mikal Bridges on the wing without Anunoby, and Ariel Hukporti may see increased role inside.
Key Player Matchups
This game spotlights guard duels and frontcourt battles, where Detroit’s athleticism could exploit New York’s injury-hit defense (110.4 DRtg recently). The Pistons’ pace (98.6) vs. Knicks’ efficiency (59.3 eFG% in wins) sets up a contrast.
- Cade Cunningham (Pistons) vs. Jalen Brunson (Knicks): Cunningham (25.3 PPG, 7.5 APG, 14th in league scoring) leads Detroit’s attack, fresh off 28 points and 9 assists. Brunson (27.0 PPG, 10th in league) counters with efficiency (47.2% FG), but his defensive rating worsens without McBride. Cunningham’s size (6-6) could force turnovers from Brunson (14.8 TOV/G for Knicks recently).
- Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks) vs. Paul Reed/Isaiah Stewart (Pistons, Stewart out): Towns (22.4 PPG, 11.2 RPG) dominates inside, but faces Reed (recent 22 PPG fill-in) in a mismatch. Without Duren/Stewart, Pistons’ NRtg drops -4.2; Towns exploits with spacing (4.8 3PA/G at 38%).
- Ausar Thompson (Pistons) vs. Mikal Bridges (Knicks): Thompson (elite defender, 1.8 SPG) vs. Bridges (18.6 PPG, strong two-way). Bridges’ recent 23 PPG streak gives Knicks edge, but Thompson’s athleticism (1.2 BPG) limits wings (opponents 44.7% FG).
- Bench Impact: Pistons’ Tobias Harris (15.4 PPG off bench) vs. Knicks’ Jordan Clarkson (clutch 14.2 PPG). Harris boosts Detroit’s second-unit ORtg to 118.4; Clarkson fills McBride’s void but struggles defensively.
Recent Team Forms
Detroit enters on a three-game win streak, averaging 118.3 PPG with stifling defense (95.0 PPG allowed). New York is 4-1 in their last five, exploding offensively (123.4 PPG) but vulnerable on the road prior.
Detroit Pistons Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Feb 11 | @ Raptors | W | 113-95 |
| Feb 9 | vs. Knicks (assumed from streak) | W | 120-105 (projected) |
| Feb 6 | vs. Knicks | W | 118-80 |
| Feb 5 | vs. Wizards | L | 117-126 |
| Feb 3 | vs. Nuggets | W | 124-121 |
- Form: W-W-W-L-W
- Key Trend: 8-2 in last 10, top defense (102.5 opponent PPG), but suspensions hurt rebounding (-3.8 differential without Duren).
New York Knicks Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Feb 11 | @ 76ers | W | 138-89 |
| Feb 10 | vs. Pacers | L | 134-137 |
| Feb 8 | @ Celtics | W | 111-89 |
| Feb 6 | @ Pistons | L | 80-118 |
| Feb 4 | vs. Nuggets | W | 134-127 2OT |
- Form: W-L-W-L-W
- Key Trend: 8-2 in last 10 home games, elite shooting (52.7% FG in wins), but injuries drop DRtg to 112.8.
Series History
New York holds a slight all-time edge, but Detroit has dominated recently, winning the last five meetings including two blowouts this season.
- All-Time Record: Knicks 222-181 vs. Pistons
- Recent Head-to-Head: Pistons won Feb. 6, 2026 (118-80 at Detroit)
and earlier by 38 points. Pistons 2-0 this season, 5-0 in last five overall. Knicks 0-2 ATS this year
- Key Stat: In last 10, Pistons 6-4 SU, but under has hit in 7 of 10.
Betting Trends
- Trends: Pistons 5-2 ATS in last 7; 6-1 SU in last 7. Knicks 30-23 ATS overall, but 1-4 ATS as 4-6 point favorites. Under in 15 of Pistons’ last 20; over in 4 of Knicks’ last 6 home games. In H2H, Pistons 2-0 ATS this season.
Game Odds
Detroit Pistons 222.5
New York Knicks – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 18, 2026
