The New York Knicks (23-12, 2nd in Atlantic Division) visit the Detroit Pistons (26-9, 1st in Central Division) in an Eastern Conference matchup featuring two playoff contenders. The Knicks, coming off back-to-back losses, aim to regain momentum on the road against a surging Pistons squad that has emerged as one of the league’s top teams this season. With key injuries impacting Detroit’s frontcourt, this game could be decided by guard play and three-point shooting, pitting New York’s balanced attack against Detroit’s defensive prowess at home.
Venue Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI. This 20,332-capacity venue has been the Pistons’ home since 2017, known for its modern design and energetic crowds during high-profile games.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on Peacock, NBA League Pass, and local networks including MSG for Knicks fans and Bally Sports Detroit for Pistons viewers.
Injury Report
Injuries could play a significant role, particularly for the Pistons, who are missing key frontcourt pieces.
New York Knicks: Josh Hart is out with a right ankle sprain, sidelining a key contributor to rebounding and defense. Landry Shamet is out with a right shoulder sprain, affecting bench scoring depth. The Knicks are otherwise healthy, with no other major absences reported as of January 4.
Detroit Pistons: Jalen Duren is out with a right ankle sprain and will be re-evaluated in at least a week, a major blow to their interior defense and rebounding. Tobias Harris is out with a left hip sprain, expected to be re-evaluated in two weeks, further depleting frontcourt options. The Pistons may rely on Isaiah Stewart and backups to fill the void.
Player Matchups
This matchup highlights battles between elite guards and adjusted frontcourts due to injuries, with perimeter shooting and transition play likely to decide the outcome.
Jalen Brunson (New York) vs. Cade Cunningham (Detroit): Brunson, averaging around 25 PPG with efficient scoring, will test Cunningham’s defensive length. Cunningham, the Pistons’ leader in points (26.7 PPG), assists (9.6), and rebounds (6.3), could exploit mismatches in pick-and-rolls.
Karl-Anthony Towns (New York) vs. Isaiah Stewart (Detroit): With Duren out, Stewart steps up against Towns’ outside shooting and post game. Towns’ versatility could pull Stewart away from the rim, opening driving lanes for the Knicks.
Mikal Bridges (New York) vs. Ausar Thompson (Detroit): Bridges’ two-way wing play matches up against Thompson’s athleticism and defense. This could be a low-scoring duel, with both players key to containing slashers.
OG Anunoby (New York) vs. Tim Hardaway Jr. (Detroit): Anunoby’s elite defense will aim to limit Hardaway’s three-point shooting, especially with Harris sidelined.
Goaltending isn’t applicable here, but bench units will be crucial given the injuries.
New York is 10-7 on the road, while Detroit boasts a 14-3 home record.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams have been competitive, but Detroit enters with stronger momentum.
New York Knicks: The Knicks are 5-5 in their last 10 games, struggling recently with back-to-back losses: 119-130 to the Philadelphia 76ers on January 3 and 99-111 to the Atlanta Hawks on January 2. Their offense has averaged 119.1 PPG in the last 10, but defense has slipped, allowing high scores. New York’s power forward depth has been key, but road games have seen unders in 6 of their last 8.
Detroit Pistons: The Pistons are 8-2 in their last 10 games, including a 114-110 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 4 and a loss to the Miami Heat (112-118) on January 1. They’ve been dominant at home, with strong perimeter defense and efficient scoring led by Cunningham. Detroit’s games have trended over in 7 of their last 10, but injuries could slow their pace.
Series History
The Knicks hold a commanding all-time edge at 222-179 over 401 regular-season games. In the last 20 meetings, New York is 15-5 against Detroit, including wins in 7 of the last 10. The most recent game (date not specified in recent history, but trends favor Knicks) saw close contests, with 6 of the last 10 decided by single digits and overs hitting in 55% of matchups.
Betting Trends
New York Knicks Trends: 20-15 ATS overall, with a 18-17 O/U record. They’ve failed to cover in 3 of their last 5 road games but are 6-4 SU in their last 10 against Central Division teams. Knicks games trend under on the road (60% under the total).
Detroit Pistons Trends: 22-13 ATS, with overs in 20 of 35 games. They’re 2-3 SU in their last 5 but 14-3 SU at home this season. Pistons have covered in only 1 of their last 5 as underdogs, and home games hit the over in 7 of 10.
Game Odds
New York Knicks – 2.5
Detroit Pistons 232.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, January 4, 2026
