The New York Knicks (19-44) will be at home in Madison Square Garden when they meet the Detroit Pistons (20-44). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 212.5 points with New York set as a 5.5-point favorite. Action gets underway at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 8, 2020, and it can be seen on Fox Sports – Detroit.

Detroit Pistons at New York Knicks Free Preview

In the Pistons’ last matchup, they were beaten by the Utah Jazz, 111-105, but were able to cover as 9-point underdogs. Detroit’s Christian Wood had a good game, leading the team in scoring with 30 points on 13-for-24 shooting. Utah did a great job of converting from the free throw line (21-28; 75.0 percent). Detroit, on the other hand, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (24.4 vs. 24.3). The two teams combined to put up 216 points, which finished over the projected point total of 209.

The Knicks are hoping for a better outcome after not being able to cover as 5.5-point underdogs in their 126-103 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in their last contest. Elfrid Payton was New York’s high scorer with 18 points on 7-for-12 shooting. Oklahoma City had a turnover percentage of 3.6 (better than their season average of 11.8). New York, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.7 (above their season average of 25.9). Combined, the two teams scored 229 points, which came in over the projected point total of 216.5.

Expect New York to own the offensive glass in this matchup. The Knicks rank first in offensive rebounding percentage (26.0 percent), while Detroit ranks 23rd in defensive rebounding percentage (76.2 percent).

Of Detroit’s 63 games with betting action, 38 have finished over the projected point total, while 34 of New York’s 63 games have finished under the O/U total. Both teams have dreadful straight up (SU) records (20-44 for Detroit; 19-44 for New York), but the Knicks have the advantage against the spread (ATS). New York is 32-29-2 ATS, while the Pistons are 25-36-2.

Both teams have had a player trending in the right direction over their last five games. For the Pistons, it’s been Wood, who has averaged 23 points,9.8 rebounds,1.2 blocks, while the Knicks have received great contributions from RJ Barrett (16 points,3.8 assists).

These two teams have already met twice this season, each winning once. Wood recorded 17 points and 11 rebounds in the most recent game, in which the Pistons lost 95-92, unable to cover as 1.5-point underdogs. The two teams combined to put up 187 points, which was 23.5 points below the projected point total of 210.5 points. New York had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (39.0 vs. 8.8). Detroit, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.159 vs. 0.129).

Detroit Pistons at New York Knicks Odds Prediction

Free Prediction: SU Winner – Pistons, ATS Winner – Pistons, O/U – Over

Notes

Betting Notes:

Detroit ranks second in three pointers allowed per game (29.7) while New York ranks 21st (34.7).

New York averages 4.7 blocks per game, which ranks 17th in the NBA. Detroit ranks 26th in blocks allowed per game (5.6).

The Pistons rank 26th in fast break points per game (11.0) while the Knicks rank 29th (9.2).

Detroit is 13-16-2 ATS on the road, while New York is 16-15-1 ATS at home.

Bettings Trends:

New York is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under in its last five games.

Across its last five games, Detroit is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.

The Knicks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.6, down from 6.9 for the season.

During their last five games, the Pistons have scored an average of 104.6 points per game (3.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 111.4 points per game (0.6 above their season average).