Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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The New York Knicks host the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks are 4.5-point favorites as they look to avenge two earlier losses to the Pistons this season, both of which came in blowout fashion in Detroit. The Knicks are led by All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, while the Pistons will be without key players Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart due to suspension.
Why it matters
This game has major Eastern Conference playoff implications, as the Pistons have led the East for most of the season while the Knicks are looking to solidify their position. The Knicks will also be seeking revenge after losing both previous matchups against the Pistons this year, and they’ll have the home-court advantage at the Garden.
The details
The Knicks are 21-7 at home this season, the fourth-best home winning percentage in the NBA. They’ll be looking to lean on that home dominance against a Pistons team that will be missing two key frontcourt players in Duren and Stewart due to suspension. The Knicks will also have the services of OG Anunoby, who missed the previous matchups with an injury. Knicks newcomer Jose Alvarado could also play a key role in slowing down Pistons star Cade Cunningham.
The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
The players
Jalen Brunson
All-Star point guard for the New York Knicks.
Karl-Anthony Towns
All-Star center for the New York Knicks.
Cade Cunningham
Rising star point guard for the Detroit Pistons.
Jalen Duren
Starting center for the Detroit Pistons, currently suspended.
Isaiah Stewart
Pistons forward, currently suspended along with Duren.
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What they’re saying
“Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns both participated in the All-Star Game and won the Shooting Stars competition, alongside Allan Houston.”
— Blake Krass, Author (draftkings.com)
“Anunoby was considered a snub from the All-Star Game by some. While he missed out on that distinction, the time off allowed him to get healthy.”
— Blake Krass, Author (draftkings.com)
What’s next
The Knicks will look to build on their momentum from the All-Star break and even the season series against the Pistons. A win would help solidify their playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.
The takeaway
This game features two of the top teams in the East, with the Knicks looking to avenge their earlier losses to the Pistons. The Knicks’ home-court advantage and the absences of Duren and Stewart for Detroit could give New York the edge in this crucial late-season matchup.