The Detroit Pistons will try to snap a three-game losing streak when they host the New York Knicks. On Tuesday, New York got an ugly 96-88 win against the Timberwolves. While Detroit is coming off a game, they allowed 144 points to the Spurs. The Knicks won the first matchup against Detroit, 105-91 on December 21st.
Keys for Knicks Getting Back On Track
Allow Under 100 Points
New York Monday night only allowed 88 points, which was great. But if they want to get an easy win tonight against Detroit, they must defend. With Detroit having no Grant or Cunningham, force Detroit to take tough shots. The Knicks can’t fall asleep and allow the Pistons to catch fire at home. New York allowed 91 points in the first matchup of the season series.
Catch Fire
Both Kemba Walker and Julius Randle struggled Tuesday, shooting a combined 8 for 31 from the field. New York ranks at the league’s bottom with field goals made with 38 per game and field goal% at 43.7%. The Knicks should create easy shots and let the ball fly Wednesday night against Detroit. New York’s last three games have allowed NBA best 99.7 points per game. At the same time, Detroit has averaged 104 points in their previous three games.
Get Young Guys Involved
With the Knicks trying to find their spark, maybe the young guys can help out. The “young guys” who should be getting more playing time are Quentin Grimes, Obi Toppin, and Immanuel Quickley. On Tuesday, Grimes got 31 minutes while Toppin had 11 minutes and Quickley had 15 minutes. Both Toppin and Quickley helped the Knicks reach the four seed in the 2021 playoffs and helped the Knicks get a playoff win. So get these young guys are opportunities to score and when Randle starts struggling, let these guys make a play.
Injury Report
Knicks
| Player | Status | Injury |
| Danuel House Jr. | Out | Finger |
| Jericho Sims | Out | NBA’s Health and Safety Protocols |
| Luka Samanic | Out | NBA’s Health and Safety Protocols |
| Derrick Rose | Out | Right Ankle |
| Nerlens Noel | Out | NBA’s Health and Safety Protocols |
Pistons
| Player | Status | Injury |
| Josh Jackson | Out | NBA’s Health and Safety Protocols |
| Cory Joseph | Out | NBA’s Health and Safety Protocols |
| Trey Lyles | Out | NBA’s Health and Safety Protocols |
| Rodney McGruder | Out | NBA’s Health and Safety Protocols |
| Isaiah Stewart | Out | NBA’s Health and Safety Protocols |
| Killian Hayes | Out | NBA’s Health and Safety Protocols |
| Saben Lee | Out | NBA’s Health and Safety Protocols |
| Cade Cunningham | Out | NBA’s Health and Safety Protocols |
| Jerami Grant | Out | Left Thumb |
| Kelly Olynyk | Out | Left Knee Sprain |
| Chris Smith | Out | Knee |
Game Prediction
Grant and Cunningham are out tonight for the Pistons when they host the Knicks. So New York will extend their winning streak to three games. Mitchell Robinson will have another double-double game, and Walker will get back on track with scoring above 20 points.
Buy New & Used Team Jerseys, Sports Apparel, Footwear, & Hats at SidelineSwap.com
We have an awesome Shop, so stop by to take a peek!
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel