The Detroit Pistons (1-3) and New York Knicks (3-1) will face off in Game 5 of their first round NBA Playoff series tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The game will broadcast live on TNT.
The Knicks are 5.5-point favorites over the Pistons on the spread, with the over/under set at 214.5 total points. New York is a -225 favorite to win outright, while Detroit is +185 to pull off the upset.
New York has a chance to close out a playoff series at home for the first time since 1999. Let's see if the Knicks can rise to the challenge or if Detroit can force another game.
Continue below for my Pistons vs. Knicks predictions and NBA picks on Tuesday, April 29.
Pistons vs Knicks Picks, Prediction for NBA Playoffs Game 5
My Knicks vs. Pistons Game 5 best bet is on the Over at 214.5 total points, 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: Over 214.5 (-110)
Pistons vs Knicks Odds for Tuesday, April 29
| Pistons Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -110 | 214.5 -110o / -110u | +185 |
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -110 | 214.5 -110o / -110u | -225 |
- Pistons vs. Knicks spread: Knicks -5.5
- Pistons vs. Knicks over/under: 214.5 total points
- Pistons vs. Knicks moneyline: Pistons +185, Knicks -225
- Pistons vs. Knicks best bet:Over 214.5
Pistons vs Knicks Preview for NBA Playoffs Game 5
The Knicks took a commanding 3-1 series lead after a series of non-calls on both sides of the ball. While this series has been closer than the 3-1 series score suggests, New York has been flat out better in the fourth quarter, as Jalen Brunson has risen to the status of his Clutch Player of the Year award.
The Knicks made a key adjustment with Josh Hart leading the offense a bit more as a facilitator, and it's opened things up for Karl-Anthony Towns. It's either opening up the paint or forcing Jalen Duren to guard KAT, which is an edge for the Knicks.
The Pistons cannot stop turning the ball over. They have the highest turnover percentage of all playoff teams at 18.4%, per Cleaning the Glass. While the Knicks have not been incredibly efficient at converting on those turnovers, it does slow the Pistons' offensive attack and rhythm.
Anunoby has picked up 5, 2, 2, and 3 steals in the four games this series. He has been an absolute menace for this Pistons team to deal with. Cade Cunningham has struggled in particular and is averaging 6 turnovers per game during this series.
Brunson has remained unstoppable. He has scored 30 points in every game this series while averaging 8.75 assists per game. The Pistons have not had an answer for him, especially in crunch time. He only took two free throws in Game 4, a game that was officiated like a football game.
I'd expect that number to bounce back and he should have even more opportunities at the stripe on Tuesday night.
The Pistons have played a tough series. However, the Knicks can take care of business at home. There will be a level of desperation from Detroit in this win-or-go-home scenario, and we should see max minutes from their primary rotation players.
Both teams scored fewer than 100 points in Game 4. However, I think that had more to do with how the game was called and the general lack of free throws. The total has dropped down from 221 in the series opener to 214.5 heading of Game 5. I'll zag and grab the over tonight.
Pistons vs Knicks Game 5 Best Bet
- Over 214.5 (-110)
Pistons vs Knicks Game 5 Parlay
- Jalen Brunson 6+ Assists
- Karl-Anthony Towns 20+ Points
- Jalen Brunson 25+ Points
Parlay Payout: -120
Celtics vs. Magic Betting Trends
- 82% of bets and 81% of the money are on the Celtics to cover the spread
- 93% of bets and 82% of the money on the moneyline are on the Celtics to win outright
- 67% of bets and 72% of the money are on the over
Betting trends via our live, updating NBA public betting & money percentages page.
For the latest on NBA injuries, be sure to check out our NBA Injury Report page.
