Tonight’s matchup, which saw the Detroit Pistons take on the New York Knicks, was supposed to be a statement game. The top two seeds in the Eastern Conference are squaring off, with the more established
Knicks visiting a hungry, upstart Pistons team. This is the first matchup between these two teams since Detroit fell 4-2 in a hard-fought first-round playoff series.
I’m not saying it isn’t that, but the injury report has certainly put a damper on my enthusiasm and tea-leaf reading. Cade Cunningham was added to the injury report (though he is listed as probable) with a hip issue. Caris LeVert is listed as doubtful and isn’t expected to suit up. Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris, both starters, are out. The Knicks will be without Josh Hart, but otherwise have all the vital pieces of their rotation.
Of course, if there is one thing we’ve learned about these Pistons, it is that you should never count them out. They won 13 games in a row this season, many of them without multiple starters, and are the top seed for a reason. They are coming off a big win in Cleveland yesterday without Duren, Harris, and LeVert. There is no saying it can’t happen again.
Game Vitals
When: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Watch: Peacock
Odds: Pistons +1
Projected Lineups
Detroit Pistons (26-9)
Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Paul Reed, Isaiah Stewart
New York Knicks (23-12)
Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson
