New York Knicks at Detroit Pistons Predictions, Picks, Odds, and Line Movement for January 5 2026
Knicks vs Pistons picks are front and center as these Eastern Conference rivals meet for the first time this season, and the market has already shown its hand. With playoff history, recent form, and sharp line movement all colliding, this matchup sets up as a strong spot to dig into the numbers. I am breaking this game down from a betting perspective to help readers stay disciplined and value-driven while following today’s NBA picks.
TLDR - Picks and Prediction
- Spread Pick: Detroit +3.5
- Total Pick: Under 232.5
- Projected Final Score: Detroit 114, New York 110
Stats to Know and Betting Trends for Knicks vs Pistons
- Detroit won three of four regular-season meetings last year, while New York won the playoff series in six games.
- The Knicks are 1-6 against the spread over their last seven games.
- New York ranks 19th in net rating and 26th in defensive rating over the last ten games.
- Detroit is playing on the second leg of a back-to-back after an upset road win in Cleveland.
- The market has pushed this spread toward New York despite their recent struggles.
Odds and Line Movement
Current Odds
| Market | New York | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | -2.5 (-106) | +2.5 (-114) |
| Total | Over 232 (-110) | Under 232 (-110) |
Line Movement - Spread
| Date | Time | New York | Detroit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/04 | 06:22:46 PM | -2 (-110) | +2 (-110) |
| 01/04 | 06:41:25 PM | -2 (-114) | +2 (-106) |
| 01/04 | 06:43:54 PM | -2.5 (-114) | +2.5 (-106) |
| 01/04 | 06:54:00 PM | -2.5 (-110) | +2.5 (-110) |
| 01/04 | 10:06:20 PM | -2.5 (-112) | +2.5 (-108) |
| 01/04 | 11:48:28 PM | -3 (-112) | +3 (-108) |
| 01/05 | 12:16:12 AM | -2.5 (-114) | +2.5 (-106) |
| 01/05 | 01:11:48 AM | -2.5 (-110) | +2.5 (-110) |
| 01/05 | 02:53:39 AM | -2.5 (-112) | +2.5 (-108) |
| 01/05 | 03:57:08 AM | -2.5 (-118) | +2.5 (104) |
| 01/05 | 04:56:24 AM | -3.5 (-108) | +3.5 (-112) |
| 01/05 | 09:00:12 AM | -2.5 (-106) | +2.5 (-114) |
Line Movement - Total
| Date | Time | Over | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/04 | 06:22:47 PM | 235 (-110) | 235 (-110) |
| 01/05 | 01:11:47 AM | 235 (-106) | 235 (-114) |
| 01/05 | 01:29:36 AM | 234 (-110) | 234 (-110) |
| 01/05 | 09:07:33 AM | 232 (-110) | 232 (-110) |
New York vs Detroit Game Preview and Analysis
This is the first meeting of the season after New York eliminated Detroit from last year’s playoffs, and the market appears to be pricing that narrative more than current form. The Knicks have lost three straight games and continue to struggle defensively, ranking near the bottom of the league in defensive rating over their last ten contests.
Detroit enters on the second leg of a back-to-back, but the Pistons are coming off an impressive upset win in Cleveland despite being short-handed. Daniss Jenkins provided a massive spark off the bench, scoring 25 points in just 25 minutes while shooting 6-of-7 from deep. Even with multiple rotation players sidelined, Detroit competed at a high level.
While I understand why bettors are drawn to New York given the rest situation, this spread drifted too far. The Knicks have relied on late comebacks recently and have not played clean basketball for weeks. At home, Detroit profiles as the more trustworthy side catching points.
Key Injuries and Notes - NYK vs DET
- Detroit: Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris are expected to miss additional games.
- Detroit: Caris LeVert has a chance to return after missing the last game.
- New York: Josh Hart and Landry Shamet are expected to remain out.
- Detroit is playing on the second leg of a back-to-back.
Final Score Prediction
- Detroit 114, New York 110
ATS and Total Picks
- Against the Spread: Detroit +3.5
- Total: Under 232.5