Pistons vs. Knicks preview: The Detroit Pistons welcome the new-look New York Knicks

After picking up their first win of the season against the 76ers in Philadelphia on Wednesday, the Detroit Pistons return to action tonight at home against the New York Knicks.

With both Joel Embiid and Paul George out for Philly, they are blessed with injury luck, but could secure another favorable draw given Karl-Anthony Towns' uncertain situation.

Could the Pistons win two games in a row for the first time since March?

Game Vitalities

When: Friday, November 1st, 7pm EST
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
Regard: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
Opportunities: Piston +6.5

analysis

Detroit and New York started the year with completely different prospects.

The Pistons were just trying to find some respect, the Knicks were trying to go all-in on a championship run. It was a bit of a mixed game for both teams. New York has won two of three games after being beaten by the Boston Celtics on opening night.

Cities were a big reason for this. Towns was traded to the Knicks from Minnesota this summer and offered everything the Knicks could have wanted offensively. He scored 44 points on Wednesday night and showed off the versatile, floor-reaching style that New York never really had with Isaiah Hartenstein last season.

Together with Jalen Brunson (22.8 points per game), he forms one of the best duos in the East.

KAT is a game-time decision tonight with a wrist injury, and if he plays it will be interesting to see how Detroit does. Jalen Duren's efficiency around the basket on offense was a plus, but otherwise he struggled to start the season.

He was significantly outclassed in Philly by reserve Isaiah Stewart, and Stew's behind-the-scenes defensive numbers paint a rosier picture. He was an incredible asset in that regard and his impact was felt as the Pistons bounced around the floor with him.

They showed some restraint and determination in defense, which was much needed.

I think it will still be a difficult matchup for Stew, but if we saw Duren starting the game against KAT tonight, I wouldn't be surprised if the latter had 10-15 points in the first quarter. After all, he has averaged 24 points per game against Detroit since 2020.

The Knicks have plenty of big wingers to throw at Detroit. How guys like Cade Cunningham, Tobias Harris and Jaden Ivey handle long-time defensemen Mikel Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart.

And another thing to watch out for: Miles McBride. He's a great player off the bench and can hit threes when he gets some daylight. Pistons have to keep him in check.

Planned lineups

New York Knicks (2-2)

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

Detroit Pistons (1-4)

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

Question of the day

What can the Pistons take from their win in Philadelphia into their game against the Knicks tonight?