New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons 28 October 2026 Prediction

The New York Knicks are the first reigning NBA champions in 15 years to open their title defense with three straight losses. A fourth defeat is possible against the Detroit Pistons, who have won their first three games and went unbeaten against Mike Brown’s team last season. Can the Knicks record their first win over Detroit since May 2025?

New York Is Well Below Championship Form

The Knicks have struggled at the start of the season. After losses to the Philadelphia 76ers (100-106) and Boston Celtics (103-107), they suffered an even more disappointing home defeat to the Orlando Magic without Paolo Banchero (102-111). New York had been in a good position: the Knicks led by 10 points during the fourth quarter but were outscored 35-16 from that point, allowing a depleted Magic roster to put up 40 points in the final period.

“The most important thing is to keep coaching the players and telling them the truth. If we work hard and do things the right way, sometimes we have to go through stretches like this before getting back on track. Games like this are humbling. We have plenty of room for improvement, and we are the only ones who can change the situation,” Mike Brown said.

Several players are still below their usual level. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have carried much of the scoring load, while Mikal Bridges has recorded only 10 points across the first three games. Bridges averaged 14.2 points per game last season. Given how heavily Brown relies on his starting five, poor form from one key player can have a major effect on the Knicks.

New York Predicted Lineup: Brunson – Bridges, Hart – Anunoby, Towns

11 – 25, 3 – 8, 32

Out: None

Manager: Mike Brown

Detroit Will Be Without Duren

While New York has struggled, J.B. Bickerstaff’s team has been consistent. The Pistons have won all three games by at least eight points. Their latest victory came against the Philadelphia 76ers (106-93), despite the absence of two starters. Jalen Duren suffered a thigh injury, while Ausar Thompson sprained his ankle in the previous game against the Miami Heat (128-111).

Detroit led Philadelphia from start to finish despite missing two important players. Cade Cunningham nearly recorded a triple-double with 26 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, while Detroit’s role players made up for the absences of Duren and Thompson. Thompson could return for this game, but Duren is expected to miss at least one week.

Detroit Predicted Lineup: Cunningham – Jenkins, Robinson – Collins, Reed

Out: Duren (injury)

Manager: J.B. Bickerstaff

Detroit Dominated Last Season’s Matchups

The Pistons won all three meetings with the Knicks last season. Bickerstaff’s team covered a handicap of at least 15 points each time, winning twice at home (121-90 and 118-80) and once on the road (126-111).

New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Prediction: Detroit Pistons Handicap +5.5

Main prediction: The reigning champions should be highly motivated after opening the season with three losses, but that does not resolve New York’s on-court issues. Brown’s team has yet to win a second half this regular season. Detroit, meanwhile, has won three straight games and shown it can beat strong opponents even without Duren and Thompson. The recommended bet is Detroit Pistons +5.5.

Totals prediction: After three games, the reigning NBA champions are the league’s lowest-scoring team in the 2026-27 season. The Knicks average only 101.7 points per game and also struggled offensively against Detroit last season, failing to reach 90 points in two of their three meetings. With two starters injured, the Pistons have slowed the pace and become less aggressive on offense. The recommended bet is under 225.5 total points.