Knicks vs. Pistons: High Stakes and Critical Performances Await in Game 3 of the Playoffs

The 2025 NBA playoffs heat up as the No. 3 seed New York Knicks face the No. 6 seed Detroit Pistons for Game 3 of their first-round series on Thursday night. Following a hard-fought Game 2 that saw the Pistons snag a 100-94 victory at Madison Square Garden, the series is tied 1-1, and both teams are looking to gain momentum. Highlighting Detroit's victory was Cade Cunningham's impressive performance, scoring 33 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, supported by two additional players recording double-doubles. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, where the Pistons hope to leverage their home-court advantage. Notably, the Pistons have historically excelled against the Knicks, winning three of their four regular-season matchups this year. In the betting markets, New York emerges as a 1.5-point favorite, despite Detroit initially being favored by one point. Sports analysts are closely monitoring the total points line, currently set at 214.5, with predictions hinting at a potential overs trend as per the SportsLine Projection Model, which has proven effective with its NBA betting advice, boasting a record of nearly $4,000 in returns for top-rated selections this postseason. In Game 2, Knicks’ star Jalen Brunson led the team with 37 points, yet the struggle from the three-point line (only 28.6% shooting) and being outrebounded (48-34) contributed significantly to their loss. The Knicks have also made an adjustment by relying on the performances of Karl-Anthony Towns, expecting him to contribute decisively in this pivotal game. Towns’ Game 2 output was disappointing, prompting scrutiny on whether he can elevate his performance when it matters most. For the Pistons, the spotlight remains on Cade Cunningham, who has been a standout player this season, averaging 26.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 6.1 rebounds. His recent All-Star selection exemplifies his growth and crucial role in the team's playoff strategy. Not to be overlooked, Tobias Harris has emerged as a consistent contributor, shooting impressively and providing essential scoring support for Detroit. As bettors and fans alike gear up for this match, the stakes are undeniably high. The Knicks, with a strong historical record in Detroit, will need to address their perimeter shooting woes and rebounding deficiencies. Conversely, the Pistons look to build on their Game 2 success, relying on their new-found synergy under pressure. The line on Brunson's scoring prop indicates that he will be a vital factor in New York's hope to reclaim the series momentum. Overall, the intense rivalry and playoff implications promise an electrifying evening of basketball, with both teams eager to secure their spot in the next round of the playoffs.