NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks
Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks
New York; Monday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Knicks -6.5
BOTTOM LINE:
The New York Knicks host the Detroit Pistons in Game 2 of the first round, holding a 1-0 series edge after a strong road victory. New York’s defense and balanced scoring will test Detroit’s fast‑break attack.
TEAM STATS:
- Knicks: 51‑31 overall; 34‑18 vs. East; 115.8 PPG on 48.6% shooting
- Pistons: 44‑38 overall; 29‑23 vs. East; 113.4 PPG on 47.6% shooting
TOP PERFORMERS:
- Jalen Brunson (NYK): 26.0 PPG, 2.9 RPG, steady playmaking
- OG Anunoby (NYK): 18.5 PPG, 4.7 RPG over last 10
- Cade Cunningham (DET): 26.1 PPG, 9.1 APG, 6.1 RPG
- Malik Beasley (DET): 17.7 PPG over last 10
LAST 10 GAMES:
- Knicks: 6‑4, 111.4 PPG, 47.8% FG, hold opponents to 107.0 PPG
- Pistons: 3‑7, 115.6 PPG, 45.6% FG, opponents score 119.9 PPG
INJURIES:
- Knicks: None listed
- Pistons: Jaden Ivey out (leg); Isaiah Stewart day-to-day (knee)
WHY THE KNICKS WILL COVER:
New York’s suffocating defense limits opponents to under 108 points. The Knicks protected home court all season, going 26‑15, and their balanced attack counters Detroit’s lone ball‑dominant star. With healthy rotation and a confident crowd, New York will win by more than seven. Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle provide veteran scoring and clutch shooting. Their depth on the bench outmatches Detroit’s reserves. Expect New York to control tempo from start. aggressively.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets
Denver; Monday, 10 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Nuggets +1
BOTTOM LINE:
The Denver Nuggets return home with a 1‑0 series lead over the Los Angeles Clippers. After stealing Game 1 on the road, Denver’s balanced attack and dominant rebounding set the stage for another home victory.
TEAM STATS:
- Nuggets: 50‑32 overall; 32‑20 vs. West; 31.0 APG (NBA‑best)
- Clippers: 50‑32 overall; 29‑23 vs. West; 112.9 PPG; +4.7 point differential
SCORING & SHOOTING:
- Nuggets: 12.0 3PM; allow 116.9 PPG
- Clippers: 112.9 PPG; opponents make 13.0 3PM
TOP PERFORMERS:
- Nikola Jokić (DEN): 29.6 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 10.2 APG, 1.8 SPG
- Aaron Gordon (DEN): 16.0 PPG, 3.2 APG over last 10
- James Harden (LAC): 22.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 8.7 APG, 1.5 SPG
- Norman Powell (LAC): 2.0 3PM over last 10
LAST 10 GAMES:
- Nuggets: 6‑4, 120.4 PPG on 50.5% FG; opponents score 115.2 PPG
- Clippers: 8‑2, 117.2 PPG on 51.3% FG; opponents score 107.2 PPG
INJURIES:
- Nuggets: DaRon Holmes II out (Achilles)
- Clippers: None listed
WHY THE NUGGETS WILL COVER +1:
Playing in front of a raucous home crowd, Denver will feed Jokić’s playmaking and exploit LA’s defense. The Nuggets control pace, leading the league in assists, and Aaron Gordon’s hot shooting adds a second scoring threat. Denver’s bench depth, combined with a physical rebounding edge, forces extra possessions. After winning Game 1, Colorado’s confidence is sky‑high. With a one‑point cushion, the Nuggets will outlast the Clippers and cover the spread at Ball Arena.
