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New York Knicks at Detroit Pistons: preview and Win Meter

New York Knicks → Detroit Pistons →

New York Knicks at Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, February 3 is about as close to a coin flip as the ratings get, with the Pistons at only 54%. Small things like rest, health and shooting variance should decide it.

Why it is so close

The Win Meter reads the Pistons 54%, with a projected score of New York Knicks 115, Detroit Pistons 116. The rating gap is 73 points in favor of the Knicks, and home court and rest add about 99 rating points for the Pistons on top of that.

Readings in this range leave plenty of room for the other side. About 46 times in 100 games like this, the Knicks would win.

Recent form

The Knicks are 0-2 this season and 2-3 in their last 5 games, with an average margin of -1.8. The Pistons are 2-0 this season and 3-2 in their last 5 games, with an average margin of +2.2.

The Pistons' best recent win was 115-94 on the road against CLE.

The Pistons were beaten 125-94 at home by CLE not long ago.

Injuries to watch

Out: Jalen Duren (DET), expected back Oct 27, 2026 and Ugonna Onyenso (DET).

Day to day or questionable: Jose Alvarado (NYK), Ausar Thompson (DET), Elijah Harkless (DET), and Isaac Jones (DET). Their status can change before tip-off.

The season series

In our records of recent meetings, the Pistons lead 8-5, with the Pistons outscoring the Knicks by an average of 5.3 points per game. The last meeting was DET 126, NYK 111.

Last five games

Oldest to newest. Tap a result for the score.

Knicks2-3, -1.8 avg margin
Pistons3-2, +2.2 avg margin

Pick a result above.

Keys to the game

  • Health: 2 players are listed as out, so watch who steps into the rotation.
  • Home court is worth about three and a half points in our model, which helps the Pistons.

Recent meetings

  • Feb 19: DET 126, NYK 111
  • Feb 6: NYK 80, DET 118
  • Jan 5: NYK 90, DET 121
  • May 1: NYK 116, DET 113 (playoffs)
  • Apr 29: DET 106, NYK 103 (playoffs)

Injury report

New York Knicks
  • Jose Alvarado Questionable · back Oct 25
Detroit Pistons
  • Ausar Thompson Questionable · back Oct 25
  • Jalen Duren Out · back Oct 27
  • Elijah Harkless Questionable
  • Isaac Jones Questionable
  • Ugonna Onyenso Out

Win Meter

46%
54%
KnicksPistons

Projected score: Knicks 115, Pistons 116

Model estimate for information and entertainment.

Win Meter lab

The reading comes from the rating gap plus a bonus for home court and rest. Slide the bonus to see how much it matters.

46%
54%
KnicksPistons

Matchup at a glance

NYKDET
Record0-22-0
Last 5LWWLLLWLWW
Points per game101.5124.5
Allowed per game106.5112
Days of rest––
Rating17091636

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