The 2024-25 regular season is winding down, with only a handful of games remaining. As March turns to April, the NBA shifts focus. Only the best teams will keep playing with one goal—winning a championship. The regular season did its job, separating contenders from the rest and creating seeding advantages.
Playoff Preview: A Knicks-Pistons Series
The New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons are trending toward a first-round playoff matchup. The Knicks sit comfortably in third, holding a three-game cushion over Indiana. Barring a collapse, they’re locked into that third seed.
Meanwhile, Detroit sits sixth and could rise to fourth. However, if current standings hold, the Pistons will finish sixth and meet the Knicks. Both teams are aware of what’s at stake. Their final regular-season clash is set for April 10th in Detroit. Detroit leads the season series 2-1. Intriguingly, the road team has won every game so far. That wrinkle could shape the narrative of this series.
Contrasting Styles Define Both Teams
The Knicks play through their starters, fully embracing Tom Thibodeau’s old-school style. Thibodeau trusts his main five and rides them hard. All five starters average over 35 minutes per game, ranking top-25 in the NBA.
It’s not hard to see why. New York’s bench is the worst in the league in scoring. Thibodeau leans on his two All-NBA stars—Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Offensively, the Knicks run a five-out system, capitalizing on Towns’ elite shooting.
Despite low three-point attempts (fourth fewest), they rank ninth in efficiency. Their offensive rating is fifth overall at 117.4. New York pounds teams inside, ranking sixth in points in the paint. They also feast on turnovers, ranking fifth in points off those mistakes.
Defensively, the Knicks rank 13th—solid but not elite. Thibodeau’s teams usually dominate on that end, but this year’s group trades some defense for offensive firepower.
Detroit takes a different approach. The Pistons run a heliocentric offense around Cade Cunningham, especially after Jaden Ivey’s season-ending injury. They surround Cade with shooters—Malik Beasley, Tobias Harris, and Tim Hardaway Jr.
Unlike the Knicks, Detroit spreads minutes more evenly. Cade ranks 18th in the NBA in minutes, but no other Piston cracks the top 50. That balance fuels the league’s seventh-best bench scoring.
Detroit shoots the three modestly, ranking 15th in percentage while attempting the sixth fewest. Their offensive rating sits 13th, while their defense ranks ninth—better than expected.
Like New York, the Pistons thrive inside. They’re fifth in paint scoring and fourth in points off turnovers. The Pistons also dominate in transition, scoring the second-most points in the league.
Jalen Brunson vs. Cade Cunningham
This series features two dynamic lead guards. Both are ball-dominant, three-level scorers capable of tough shots in isolation.
Brunson’s health will shape the series. He’s nursing an ankle sprain but should return for the playoffs. Brunson’s experience contrasts with Cade’s playoff debut. Cunningham’s stellar season has him in All-NBA consideration, possibly even a second-team nod.
Brunson’s size disadvantage against Cade could be a factor, but his craftiness evens the matchup. This battle might decide the series.
Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Detroit’s Big Men
Towns presents a huge matchup problem. He’s shooting a career-best 42.5% from three on 4.9 attempts per game. His ability to stretch the floor opens lanes for New York’s offense.
However, Detroit boasts elite paint defense, thanks to Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart. The Pistons rank fourth in points allowed in the paint. They have the size and strength to challenge Towns.
Towns has scored well against Detroit this season, dropping 26 and 21 points in two matchups. But playoff basketball is different. The Pistons’ physicality could wear him down over a series.
Knicks X-Factors: Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart
Mikal Bridges arrived in New York with big expectations. The Knicks gave up five first-round picks for him. So far, Bridges has played a subdued role, focusing on defense and spacing.
With Brunson hurt, Thibodeau expanded Bridges’ responsibilities. He’s shown flashes of his Brooklyn form, operating more on-ball. It remains to be seen if Thibodeau keeps that approach when Brunson returns.
Josh Hart is Thibodeau’s ironman. Thibodeau famously played him 48 minutes multiple times last postseason. Expect the same this year. Hart’s rebounding, defense, and hustle could swing games.
Pistons X-Factors: Ausar Thompson and Malik Beasley
Ausar Thompson could be Detroit’s Josh Hart. He combines elite athleticism, a relentless motor, and high basketball IQ. However, Thompson struggles with foul trouble. If that continues, Detroit could lose their top defensive X-factor.
Malik Beasley is another wild card. He leads the NBA in made three-pointers this season. However, Beasley’s playoff shooting history raises concerns. Over the last three postseasons, his shooting dips to 34.2% on fewer attempts.
Detroit needs Beasley to maintain his regular-season form. His spacing will be vital against New York’s defense.
Prediction: A Tough, Physical Series
This Knicks-Pistons playoff matchup promises physical, grind-it-out basketball. Both teams excel in the paint and force turnovers.
Brunson’s health and Towns’ dominance will decide the Knicks’ fate. Detroit needs Cade to shine and Beasley to stay hot.
Expect a hard-fought series likely going six or seven games.
© Brad Penner-Imagn Images
