The New York Knicks (27-49) clash with the Detroit Pistons (35-40) at Madison Square Garden. The game starts at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 31, 2018, and will air on MSG Network.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 211 points with Detroit opening as a 3.5-point favorite.
Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks Betting Prediction
The last time the Pistons played, they topped the Washington Wizards, 103-92. Detroit’s 0.179 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Washington, who had a rate of 0.135. The Pistons’ mark was above their season average of 0.168, while the Wizards’ was below their season average of 0.200. Detroit was led by Andre Drummond, who was the top scorer from either team with 24 points on 10-for-16 shooting.
The Knicks lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in their last game, 118-101. Philadelphia’s 28.0 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over New York, who had a rate of 18.5. The 76ers’ mark was above their season average of 25.6, while the Knicks’ was below their season average of 24.5. With 17 points and 14 rebounds, New York’s Enes Kanter had a good game.
This has potential to be a sloppy game for the offense of New York. New York ranks 22nd in the NBA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.4 percent), while the gambling defense of Detroit forces the seventh-most turnovers in the league (14.5 percent).
Detroit holds records of 35-40 straight up (SU) and 36-37-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to set the total high when the Pistons are involved, as 42 of their 75 games have finished under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, New York is 27-49 SU and 36-40 ATS. Of the Knicks’ 76 games, 37 have finished over the total.
Kanter and Trey Burke have been playing well over the last five games for New York. Kanter has averaged 13.8 points and 13.0 rebounds per game. Not to be outdone, Burke has put up 20.2 points, 6.2 assists and 1.2 steals a game during that span.
The Pistons have won both matchups against the Knicks this season, escaping with a narrow 104-101 victory the last time these teams met. Detroit was unable to cover as a 7-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 205 points, which was just 2.5 points above the projected point total of 202.5 points. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Detroit’s largest advantages. They made 25 trips to the line, while New York went just six times. Kanter recorded a double-double in the loss, with 22 points and 16 rebounds.
Detroit Pistons at New York Knicks Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Pistons, ATS Winner – Knicks, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Detroit is 18-18-1 ATS with 23 unders, 13 overs and 1 push.
New York is 20-16 ATS at home with 19 unders and 17 overs.
New York is 13-3 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Detroit is 20-6.
The Pistons are 31-17 when they reach 100 points, while the Knicks are 26-27.
New York ranks eighth in blocks per game (5.1) while Detroit ranks 27th (3.9).
The Pistons rank first in fast break points allowed per game (9.7) while the Knicks rank 15th (11.6).
Detroit ranks 17th in three pointers attempted per game (28.7) while New York ranks 29th (22.9).
The Knicks average 23.0 assists per game, which ranks 14th in the NBA. The Pistons rank 26th in assists allowed per game (24.9).
Detroit ranks 18th in steals per game (7.6) while New York ranks 29th (6.8).
The Knicks average 44.2 rebounds per game, which ranks 11th in the league. The Pistons rank 21st in rebounds allowed per game (43.8).
Detroit averages 16.7 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. New York ranks 22nd in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.5).
The Pistons average 12.7 second chance points per game, which ranks 15th in the league. The Knicks rank 22nd in second chance points allowed per game (13.0).
New York averages 46.7 points in the paint per game, which ranks eighth in the league. Detroit ranks ninth in points allowed in the paint per game (43.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Detroit is 5-0 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
New York is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders, 1 over and 1 push over their last five games.
The Pistons have outscored opponents by an average of 12.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Detroit has lost by an average of 0.5 points.
During their last five games, the Knicks have scored an average of 106.4 points per game (1.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 115.8 points per game (7.7 above their season average).
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