The Detroit Pistons have looked relatively good this season and are even in their first game of the season. Granted, that means they’re only 1-4 and the only win came from playing the Philadelphia 76ers’ bloodless offense, but I digress. Cade Cunningham has a turnover problem and a lack of three throws, but otherwise excels. Jaden Ivey has a non-point guard problem, but he’s looked great as a complementary off-guard with big improvements in both his perimeter shooting and his ability to attack the basket effectively. Tonight the Pistons face a tough test in the New York Knicks.

New York plays at a deceptively slow pace that masks the fact that they have the third-best offense in the NBA. Of course, they also have the 27th-ranked defense. I’d say Karl-Anthony Towns is a big factor in both rankings, but the Knicks big man is questionable tonight due to a wrist injury. If he misses, the Knicks will either go small with OG Anunoby at center or opt for a combination of Jericho Sims and Ariel Kukporti.

Game Vitals

When: 7:00 PM ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
Chances: Pistons +6.5

Projected lineups

Detroit Pistons (1-4)

Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Tim Hardaway Jr, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

New York Knicks (2-2)

Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns