The New York Knicks (3-2) and Detroit Pistons (2-3) will face off in Game 6 of their first round NBA Playoff series tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The game will broadcast live on TNT.
The Pistons are 1.5-point favorites over the Knicks on the spread, with the over/under set at 214.5 total points. Detroit is a -120 favorite to win outright, while New York is +100 to pull off the upset.
The Knicks missed their opportunity to clinch the series at home in the previous matchup. So, now they hit the road for Game 6 in Detroit tonight, with one last chance to close out the series before reaching a winner-take-all Game 7.
Let's get into my Knicks vs. Pistons predictions and NBA picks for Thursday, May 1.
Knicks vs Pistons Prediction for Game 6
My Pistons vs. Knicks Game 6 best bet is on Detroit to win the third quarter, with the best line currently available at BetMGM. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
My Pick: Pistons Third Quarter Moneyline (-115)
Knicks vs Pistons Game 6 Odds, Picks for Thursday
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -110 | 214.5 -110o / -110u | +100 |
| Pistons Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -110 | 214.5 -110o / -110u | -120 |
- Knicks vs. Pistons spread: Pistons -1.5
- Knicks vs. Pistons over/under: 214.5 total points
- Knicks vs. Pistons moneyline: Knicks +100, Pistons -120
- Knicks vs. Pistons best bet: Pistons 3Q ML (-115)
Knicks vs Pistons Betting Preview for NBA Playoffs Game 6
The Knicks came out uninspired in the fifth matchup of this series, but after closing the gap late, late-game injuries kept Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson off the floor for New York in clutch time, resulting in a 3-point loss and a Game 6 in Detroit tonight.
There is significant debate as to which team has been superior in this series. The Knicks are up 3-2, but New York's net rating is just +0.1 through five games.
This series is separated by only five points, with the Knicks ahead by a total score of 532-527. The margin is razor-thin and if it wasn't for a double digit victory and massive comeback in the opener, this series could easily have swung the other way.
The best 5-man lineup in the playoffs with 100+ possessions is the Pistons starting-5 of Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, Tim Hardaway, Tobias Harris, and Jalen Duren with a +29.2 point differential.
On the flip side, the Knicks starting-5 has been abysmal, with a net rating of -4.7, per Cleaning the Glass.
This is interesting because the Knicks have actually started off strong in these games, with a +8.1 net rating in the first quarter. However, the big swing has been the Pistons' dominance in the third quarter, with a +28 net rating in the third stanzas.
The Pistons have done an excellent job adjusting as the game progresses, especially following the halftime break.
Detroit has won every third quarter in this series, and I'll back them to do so once again in Game 6 tonight.
Knicks vs Pistons Game 6 Best Bet
- Pistons 3Q ML (-115)
Knicks vs Pistons Parlay Picks for Thursday Night
- Ausar Thompson 4+ Rebounds
- OG Anunoby 2+ Steals
- Josh Hart 5+ Assists
Parlay Payout: +155
For my same game parlay, I'll grab Ausar Thompson 4+ rebounds, OG Anunoby 2+ steals, and Josh Hart 5+ assists for a potential payout of +155.
For the latest on NBA injuries, be sure to check out our NBA Injury Report page.
- 61% of bets and 58% of the money are on the Knicks to cover the spread
- 59% of bets and 80% of the money on the moneyline are on the Knicks to win outright
- 89% of bets and 88% of the money are on the over
Betting trends via our live, updating NBA public betting & money percentages page.
