Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks Picks and Prediction for Tuesday October 27 2026

In the first game of a Tuesday night Coast 2 Coast doubleheader on NBC, the Detroit Pistons will visit the New York Knicks. Tipoff is scheduled for October 27, 2026 at 8:00 pm EST and the setting will be the World’s Most Famous Arena. The Knicks are a small 3.5 point home favorite and the total is set at 218.5. Be ready for all of this season's NBA action with our free NBA picks.

Detroit off to an undefeated start

The Detroit Pistons won 28 of 41 road games a season ago and finished four games ahead of Boston for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons (3-0) won a playoff series for the first time since 2008, but lost Game Seven of the conference semifinals versus Cleveland on their home floor. On Sunday, Detroit raced out to a 12-point lead after one quarter and never looked back during a 106-93 road triumph against Philadelphia. 

All-Star G Cade Cunningham tallied a game-high 26 points (9-19 FG), eight rebounds, and eight assists. Detroit F Duncan Robinson nailed 5-for-9 from long distance and finished with 21 points. John Collins added 16 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks for the Pistons. 

Detroit has established a defensive identity for head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Last season, the Pistons finished second in the league in defensive efficiency and limited opponents to 109.6 points per game. During Sunday’s victory, Detroit led by as many as 21 points and held Philadelphia to 40 percent from the field. 

New York experiencing a championship hangover

The New York Knicks won 30 of 40 home games last season and ran through the playoffs to win their first NBA Championship since 1973. The Knicks are experiencing a championship hangover and are the first defending champions to start 0-3 since the 2011-2012 Dallas Mavericks. On Sunday, New York was unable to take advantage of All-Star F Paolo Banchero’s absence during a 111-102 home loss versus Orlando. 

NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson led all scorers with 28 points on 12-for-28 shooting and dished out four assists. All-Star C Karl-Anthony Towns and F OG Anunoby scored 22 points each on a combined 14-for-26 from the field. Josh Hart added 13 points (3-9 3PT) and eight rebounds for the Knicks. 

Last season, New York ranked second in the league in offensive efficiency and averaged 116.5 points per game. Through three games, the Knicks have failed to score more than 103 points and are near the bottom of the league in effective field goal percentage (47.6). During Sunday’s loss, New York missed 29 of 38 three-point attempts and turned the ball over 16 times.

Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks Picks and Prediction

Pick: New York Knicks -3.5

Detroit C Jalen Duren (hamstring) will remain sidelined for this contest, while Isaiah Joe (hip) and Ausar Thompson (ankle) are considered questionable. The Pistons swept the season series against the Knicks and won by an average of 28 points. The Knicks are defending at a high level and the shots will finally drop on their home floor. Take New York to win and cover.

Pick: Under 218.5

Last season, New York ranked in the bottom four of the NBA in tempo and Detroit finished in the middle of the pack in that category. Through the first few games of this season, both teams are in the bottom five in tempo. The Pistons were the second best defensive team a season ago and the Knicks were seventh. Take the under.

Final Score Prediction: New York Knicks win 110-101