The New York Knicks travel to Detroit for a pivotal Eastern Conference showdown against the league-leading Pistons. New York, riding an eight-game winning streak, sits second in the East and aims to close the gap, while Detroit looks to rebound from a shocking loss and maintain its top spot. This matchup features star power with Jalen Brunson facing Cade Cunningham, but injuries could play a major role.
- Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
- Tip-Off Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV/Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, MSG, NBA League Pass
Little Caesars Arena has been a stronghold for Detroit this season, with the Pistons boasting a 20-6 home record.
Injury Report
| Team | Player | Status | Injury/Reason | Expected Return |
| Knicks | Miles McBride | Out | Left Ankle Injury Management and Core Muscle Injury | Playoffs (potentially after surgery) |
| Knicks | Karl-Anthony Towns | Doubtful | Right Eye Laceration | TBD |
| Knicks | OG Anunoby | Questionable | Right Toe Soreness | TBD |
| Knicks | Josh Hart | Probable | Left Ankle Sprain | N/A |
| Knicks | Jose Alvarado | Out | Not With Team (recent trade) | February 9 |
| Knicks | Dillon Jones | Out | G League – Two-Way | N/A |
| Pistons | Jalen Duren | Questionable | Right Knee Soreness | TBD |
| Pistons | Tobias Harris | Probable | Left Hip Soreness | N/A |
| Pistons | Duncan Robinson | Probable | Left Quadriceps Contusion | N/A |
| Pistons | Dario Saric | Out | Not With Team (recent trade) | February 9 |
| Pistons | Bobi Klintman | Out | Coach’s Decision | N/A |
| Pistons | Tolu Smith | Out | G League – Two-Way | N/A |
New York may miss Towns’ 21.5 PPG and 11.3 RPG, forcing more from Mikal Bridges (18.2 PPG) and Mitchell Robinson. Detroit, without Duren (12.4 PPG, 11.0 RPG), would rely on Isaiah Stewart. Cunningham (24.8 PPG, 8.9 APG) remains the Pistons’ engine.
Player Matchups to Watch
- Jalen Brunson (NYK) vs. Cade Cunningham (DET): Brunson (26.5 PPG, 5.5 APG) faces Cunningham (25.0 PPG, 9.0 APG). Brunson’s scoring efficiency (48% FG) could exploit Detroit’s perimeter, but Cunningham’s playmaking thrives at home.
- Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK, if available) vs. Jalen Duren (DET, if available): Towns’ spacing (17.0 PPG, 11.0 RPG) vs. Duren’s rim protection (15.5 PPG, 3.5 BPG). If either sits, it shifts to Robinson vs. Stewart.
- OG Anunoby (NYK) vs. Tobias Harris (DET): Anunoby’s defense (18.0 PPG, 2.0 SPG) could limit Harris (15.5 PPG). Harris’ mid-range game tests New York’s wings.
- Mikal Bridges (NYK) vs. Ausar Thompson (DET): Bridges’ two-way play (16.0 PPG, 4.0 APG) vs. Thompson’s athleticism (11.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG).
Detroit’s depth, including Ron Holland II and Duncan Robinson, could overwhelm a potentially shorthanded Knicks squad.
Team Recent Forms
- New York Knicks: 11-12 on the road. They’ve won eight straight and are 9-1 in their last 10, with elite offense (121.1 rating) and defense (98.5 rating) during the streak. New York averages 118.2 PPG over the last 10.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Feb 5 | vs. DEN | W | 134-127 (2OT) |
| Feb 3 | @ WAS | W | 132-101 |
| Feb 1 | vs. LAL | W | 112-100 |
| Jan 30 | vs. POR | W | 127-97 |
| Jan 28 | @ TOR | W | 119-92 |
- Detroit Pistons: 20-6 at home. They’re 8-2 in their last 10 but fell to Washington in a stunning upset. Detroit averages 114.7 PPG recently, led by strong defense (holding opponents to 107.5 PPG in wins).
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Feb 5 | vs. WAS | L | 117-126 |
| Feb 3 | vs. DEN | W | 124-121 |
| Feb 1 | vs. BKN | W | 130-77 |
| Jan 30 | @ ATL | W | 112-93 |
| Jan 28 | vs. IND | W | 118-105 |
New York’s streak includes dominant wins, while Detroit’s loss exposed fatigue on a back-to-back.
Series History
New York leads the all-time series 222-180, but Detroit has won 6 of the last 20 meetings. This season, the Pistons dominated the first matchup 121-90 on January 6, 2026. Games average 211.5 points recently, with Detroit winning 7 of the last 10 at home. The rivalry has playoff history, with New York holding a 7-5 edge in postseason series.
Betting Trends
- Key Trends:
- Knicks: 8-2 ATS in last 10; 24-19 ATS as favorites; Over in 6 of last 8 road games.
- Pistons: 3-1 ATS as home underdogs (all wins by 10+); 10-2 SU after losses; Under in 7 of last 10.
- Series: Under in 6 of last 8 meetings; Knicks 35-23 SU in last 58 vs. Detroit.
Game Odds
New York Knicks 219.5
Detroit Pistons – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, February 5, 2026
