NBA New Year’s resolutions
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The NBA season is nearing its midway point, meaning we’ve got a pretty good understanding of who’s real, who’s fake, and who’s trying to make a name. In the Eastern Conference, one thing is for certain: both the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks are serious contenders.
The Pistons currently sit atop the Eastern Conference Standings with a 26-9 record, three games better than the second-place Knicks (23-12). But cracks have started to show in the Motor City. Detroit has lost three of its last five games, including a loss to the struggling Utah Jazz (12-22). Furthermore, the Pistons are playing the second game of a back-to-back Monday night, making this matchup against an experienced Knicks squad that much tougher.
The Knicks, however, have suffered a similar drought, losing each of their last three games to the San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers. New York might only boast a .500 record on the road this year, but catching Detroit in a slump after the Pistons’ grueling contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Jan. 4 might be the Knicks’ best chance to break out of this three-game skid.
Here’s how to watch this intriguing Eastern Conference matchup between the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons on Monday, Jan. 5:
Stream Knicks vs. Pistons with Peacock
The Detroit Pistons got out to a sizable early lead thanks to great early shooting. The Knicks, meanwhile, were ice cold, but were kept afloat by Jalen Brunson’s hot hand. Brunson started the game 4-of-5 from the field, and while he cooled down afterwards, finishing the quarter shooting 6-of-10, that start gave the rest of the Knicks just enough time to get their footing, particularly Jordan Clarkson, who managed six points within three minutes of entering the game.
The Knicks slowly clawed their way back into the game, bringing themselves to within one thanks to a late steal. Mayhem went down in the last 15 seconds. We saw two missed shots, and a steal. It wasn’t clear which team would head into the break with the lead. In the end, the Pistons managed to hold their lead, but given the momentum the Knicks have built in the last six minutes of game time, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Knicks grab that lead very early into the second.
How to watch New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons
Tonight’s matchup between the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons will stream exclusively on Peacock.
Date: Monday, Jan. 5, 2026Time: 7 p.m. ETWhere: Little Caesars Arena in DetroitTV: N/AStream: PeacockKnicks vs. Pistons betting odds
Here are the latest odds for the Knicks vs. Pistons game, according to BetMGM as of Monday afternoon:
Spread: Pistons +1.5Money: Knicks -120; Pistons +100Over/under: 232.5
New York Knicks:
Josh Hart – out (right ankle)Landry Shamet – out (right shoulder)
Detroit Pistons:
Cade Cunningham – probable (right hip)Jalen Duren – out (right ankle)Tobias Harris – out (left hip)Caris LeVert – doubtful (left knee)Duncan Robinson – probable (left calf)
*Lineups listed per NBA.com
PG: Jalen BrunsonSG: Mikal BridgesSF: OG AnunobyPF: Karl-Anthony TownsC: Mitchell Robinson
*Lineups listed per NBA.com
PG: Cade CunninghamSG: Duncan RobinsonSF: Ausar ThompsonPF: Paul ReedC: Isaiah Stewart