Knicks vs Pistons Predictions, Picks & Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 4 on ABC, 4/27
The New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons face off in a pivotal Game 4 of their first-round NBA playoff series today April 27, 2025. New York currently has a 2 -1 advantage after a great performance in game three. The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson’s scoring prowess, aim to capitalize on their road success, while the Pistons, powered by Cade Cunningham’s breakout season, look to leverage home-court energy at Little Caesars Arena.
With both teams showing resilience, Game 4 promises high stakes and intense competition. Here’s a breakdown of the storylines, odds, betting picks, and everything you need to know for this Eastern Conference showdown.
New York Knicks: Brunson’s Heroics Meet Team Struggles
The Knicks have leaned heavily on Jalen Brunson, who’s averaging 33.8 points per game in the series, including a 37-point outburst in Game 2. His ability to dominate against Detroit’s 28th-ranked perimeter defense (38.1% 3P allowed) has kept New York competitive.
However, the supporting cast has been inconsistent. Karl-Anthony Towns, a force in Game 1 with 23 points and 11 rebounds, went scoreless in the second half of Game 2, and Mikal Bridges struggled with late-game shots. The Knicks won 24 of their 41 road games this season, and after proving it in game three will need to dig deep to get another one at Little Caesars Arena. New York must balance their offense and improve their 28.6% 3-point shooting from Game 2 to steal another road win.
Detroit Pistons: Cunningham’s Rise Fuels Upset Hopes
The Pistons, underdogs in this series, have proven they can hang with the Knicks, splitting the first two games and winning three of four regular-season matchups. Cade Cunningham, an All-NBA caliber talent, has been the catalyst, averaging 26.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 6.1 rebounds this season.
His 33-point performance in Game 2 showcased his ability to exploit New York’s shaky defense. Veterans like Tobias Harris (25 points in Game 1) and Malik Beasley provide depth, though Beasley’s 1-for-8 3-point shooting in Game 2 was a setback. The Pistons can ensure the series comes back to Detroit with a win today, and they know the game they need to play, as they have had a lead in all three games of this series. Game 4 is a chance to seize control at home.
Knicks vs. Pistons Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines
Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook:
- Spread: Knicks +2.0 (-108), Pistons -2.0 (-112)
- Moneyline: Knicks +110, Pistons -130
- Over/Under: 217 points (-110 both sides)
The Knicks are slight underdogs despite winning on the road in game three. The spread is only one field goal, which means the difference in a winning and losing ticket could come to the last attempt of the game. The moneyline is slightly in favor of the Pistons, who look to win their first home playoff game in almost two decades. The total is 13 points below their collective average, reflecting the physical play allowed in the playoffs.
Knicks vs. Pistons Player Prop Pick: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 22.5 Points (-122 on FanDuel Sportsbook)
Karl-Anthony Towns is the difference maker for the New York Knicks. He was brought in to be exactly that, is having one of his best seasons, and when the Knicks play with him involved with the offense, Detroit does not have an answer. The Detroit Pistons desperately need Isaiah Stewart’s strength and post presence.
For now Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris have been given their best effort to slow him down. In game two the Knicks did not seek Towns for offensive production and they lost the game. He scored just 10 points and only attempted 11 field goals. In game three he attempted 18 field goals, scored 31 points, including seven made free throws.
He was the focal point of New York’s offense, and Detroit had no answers. Towns played 41 minutes and the best the Pistons could do to slow him down was foul him. He made 4 three point attempts, and dominated the mid-range game. Towns is a complete package, and as long as Head Coach Tom Thibodeau continues to draw up plays to get him the ball, he will continue to score.
Towns’ point line is set at 22.5 on FanDuel and despite a little juice (-122) it is an amazing bet to place. He averaged 24.4 points per game in the regular season, and the Pistons simply do not have the defender to stop Towns at all three levels of the offense. Put two units for him to cover the low point line, and for those new to FanDuel make sure to take advantage of the offer at the end of this article.
How To Watch Knicks vs. Pistons on ABC Today
- Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
- Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Channel: ABC
- Streaming: FuboTV (free trial available), ESPN app (with cable login)
- Location: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Fans can catch the game live on ABC or stream it via FuboTV, which offers a free trial for new users. Check local listings for channel availability.
Knicks vs. Pistons Injury Report & Starting Lineup
Injury Report (as of April 26, 2025)
- Knicks:
- No Injuries reported
- Pistons:
- Isaiah Stewart (Questionable, Knee)
Injury statuses are subject to change. Check for updates closer to tip-off.
Projected Starting Lineups
- Knicks: Jalen Brunson (PG), Mikal Bridges (SG), Josh Hart (SF), OG Anunoby (PF), Karl-Anthony Towns (C)
- Pistons: Cade Cunningham (PG), Tim Hardaway (SG), Ausar Thompson (SF), Tobias Harris (PF), Jalen Duren (C)
How To Bet On Knicks vs. Pistons at FanDuel Sportsbook & Claim Your $250 Bonus
Betting on the Knicks vs. Pistons is easy with FanDuel Sportsbook, which offers new users $250 in Bonus Bets if their first $5+ bet wins. Here’s how to get started:
- Sign Up: Visit FanDuel Sportsbook (web or app) and create an account.
- Deposit: Add at least $10 to your account.
- Place Your Bet: Navigate to the NBA section, select the Knicks vs. Pistons game, and choose your bet (e.g., Brunson over 28.5 points or Knicks moneyline).
- Claim Bonus: If your first $5+ bet wins, you’ll receive $250 in Bonus Bets within 72 hours. Bonus Bets expire after 7 days.
No promo code is required. Check FanDuel’s terms for full details. FanDuel also offers live betting and parlay options for added excitement.
Player News
Aaron Gordon had a quiet night, finishing with 13 points (6-of-13 FGs, 0-of-1 FTs), five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one three-pointer in the Nuggets’ loss to the Thunder on Tuesday.
Gordon was mostly held in check on the offensive end, finishing with his fewest three-point makes of the series, the second-lowest scoring output, and no production from the free throw line. While Gordon has made several big plays down the stretch of games this postseason, he was notably unimpactful, making his line feel even less spectacular. Gordon performed well in Denver’s two home games this series and will need to empty the tank on Thursday in Game 6 to help the Nuggets keep their season alive.
Jamal Murray scored 28 points (10-of-27 FGs, 5-of-5 FTs), four rebounds, three assists, one block and three three-pointers in 42 minutes for the Nuggets in their loss to the Thunder on Tuesday.
Murray registered his third 20-plus-point game of the series on Tuesday, but did so on rather inefficient shooting. A monster 13-point third quarter is where much of his production came from, which gave Denver a decent lead going into the final quarter. However, Murray cooled off down the stretch, scoring five of Denver’s 19 points in the fourth quarter. Both he and the rest of the Nuggets will want a better close to Thursday’s Game 6 if they hope to extend their season.
Nikola Jokic was dominant in the Nuggets’ loss to the Thunder on Tuesday, posting 44 points (17-of-25 FGs, 5-of-5 FTs), 15 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and 5 three-pointers.
Jokic bounced back in a big way on Tuesday after a few inefficient shooting performances in Games 2, 3 and 4. The three-time MVP had his fingerprints all over the game on the offensive side, regaining his shooting touch and being particularly dangerous from beyond the arc. He made some contributions as a passer, but still hasn’t found a way to dominate in this series as a facilitator, not yet tallying more than six assists in any game. Even with the Nuggets receiving the inevitable bounce-back game for Jokic, it wasn’t enough for them to take control of the series. Denver will need everything it can get from Jokic in Thursday’s Game 6 if it wants to extend the season.
Luguentz Dort came up big for the Thunder in their win over the Nuggets on Tuesday, finishing with 12 points (4-of-8 FGs), three rebounds, one assist and four three-pointers.
Well-known for his prowess on the defensive end, Dort’s offensive eruption in the fourth quarter helped the Thunder climb from out of a big hole to secure a come-from-behind win and move Oklahoma City one win closer to a trip to the conference finals. His three triples in the final frame were huge, but a late assist on a Jalen Williams three might have been the play that delivered the Thunder the victory. Dort’s double-digit outing marked his third of the series, and Oklahoma City would welcome another as it tries to close out the series on Thursday in Game 6.
Jalen Williams was impressive for the Thunder on Tuesday, posting 18 points (5-of-14 FGs, 6-8 FTs), nine rebounds, four assists, one steal and two three-pointers in the win over the Nuggets.
Williams landed in double figures in scoring for the fifth time in as many games this series. And while he continued to struggle with shooting efficiency, he remained impactful as a facilitator. The fourth-year wing also delivered one of the biggest shots of Game 5 as he sank a corner three-pointer late in the fourth quarter to give Oklahoma City a lead it wouldn’t surrender the rest of the way. Williams will continue to be relied upon when the Thunder head to Denver for a chance to close out the Nuggets in Game 6 on Thursday.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tallied 31 points (12-of-23 FGs, 6-of-6 FTs), six rebounds, seven assists, two steals, two blocks and one three-pointer in the Thunder’s win over the Nuggets on Tuesday.
Gilgeous-Alexander did it all for the Thunder on Tuesday, taking on the roles of scorer and facilitator while remaining active on the defensive end along the way. Most importantly, he was key in the final handful of blows that Oklahoma City dealt Denver down the stretch in what ended up being a dominant 34-19 fourth quarter for the Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander, an MVP finalist, delivered his third 30-point game of the series and will have a chance on Thursday to produce his fourth as the Thunder try to eliminate the Nuggets.