New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons predictions, picks, odds: Who wins NBA playoffs first round series.?

The biggest surprise of the 2024-25 NBA season will get its biggest test, something of a temperature check to determine how far along this team is in its rebuild.

The Detroit Pistons broke out this year to claim the No. 6 seed, snapping a five-year postseason drought. Led by All-Star Cade Cunningham, whose numbers have shot up since he took over more ball-handling duties, the Pistons entered the season as the fourth-youngest team in the NBA, with an average age of 24.3 years.

The Knicks, meanwhile, have improved this season after acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges in all-in, win-now transactions. Towns ranked second in the league in rebounds (12.8) and has opened up New York's offense with his range and ability to stretch the floor. Jalen Brunson missed 15 games late in the season with a sprained right ankle but returned April 6.

New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons predictions, playoffs picks.

Yahoo Sports: Knicks will beat Pistons in seven games

Dan Devine writes: "New York does have the talent advantage at the higher end — especially if Towns can replicate the kinds of postseason performances he turned in for the Timberwolves in last spring’s opening rounds. Thibodeau, as dejected as he seemed with his team’s execution in the final days of the season, proved capable of pushing more of the right tactical buttons than Bickerstaff back in 2022. (One button he should press in this series? Hammering the Brunson-Towns two-man game to get Towns taking way more 3s.) And Brunson, now healthy after missing a month with an ankle sprain, is eminently capable of being the best player in what should be a physical, nasty series."

NBA.com: Knicks will defeat Pistons in seven games

Shaun Powell writes: "This will go the limit because the Pistons are a difficult matchup for the Knicks — and in the playoffs, it’s all about matchups. Young and hungry, Detroit seems rejuvenated under coach JB Bickerstaff and pointed in the right direction by Cunningham. That said, Karl-Anthony Towns will see his first playoff action with the Knicks and he’ll be anxious to make a statement as well. Even though the Pistons took a pair of games in the Garden this season, getting a Game 7 is different."

Mlive.com: Knicks will advance past Pistons in six games

Kory Woods writes: "The Pistons match up well against the Knicks, and their recent success could give them enough confidence to steal a game or two. I see Detroit taking one of the first two games in New York and one of the first two at home. But in the end, the Knicks’ overall talent and playoff experience will likely overwhelm a Pistons team still getting its feet wet in the postseason."

Bleacher Report: Knicks will win series vs Pistons in seven games

Andy Bailey writes: "But the Knicks have plenty of lengthy perimeter defenders to throw at him. Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart will all get their shots at him. And that will slow Cade down just enough for New York's offense.

NBA Playoffs: New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons odds

The Knicks are -425 to win the series in NBA playoffs odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook. The Pistons are +325.

The Knicks winning in five games is at +280 in odds for the outcome of the series. New York is at +380 to win in six games, +400 to win in four games and +475 to win the series in seven games.

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The Pistons are +900 to beat the Knicks in six games, +1100 to win in seven games, +1800 to win in five games and +3000 to sweep New York.

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