Detroit basketball is back and is favored to send this series back to MSG for a Game 7 against the Knicks. A hobbled Brunson, an uncertain Thibs, and a struggling 3-point shooting team lead me to believe the Pistons have a shot to win this Game 6 matchup.
With Duren, Thompson, and Schroder getting hot and playing confidently, give me the home team to win this. Check out our entire betting card below. Good luck, folks!
Best Bet: Detroit Pistons -2
There is an argument to be made that the Detroit Pistons have outplayed the New York Knicks this series, regardless of the 2-3 series hole they find themselves in. Detroit basketball is headed home after finally winning a tight game against New York, this time defeating them in The Garden in a win-and-advance scenario for Thibs’ Knicks.
At this point in the year, I’m anti-Thibs. Playing his starters 40+ minutes each game, Brunson and co. look tired. They look sluggish while the Pistons look rejuvenated. Take Cunningham’s 20-point second half for example.
New York was simply too exhausted to stop him. With Duren’s arrival, Schoder’s consistency, and Cunningham’s playmaking excellence, this is the series to go seven games, and Detroit basketball is very much back.
Dennis Schroder (DET) 10+ Points
Dennis Schroder is a coach’s dream in the playoffs—high energy on defense and consistent on offense. Schroder has found a home here in Detroit, and I couldn't be happier for him. The 12-year NBA vet has come alive this postseason, averaging 13.2 PPG in just under 27 minutes per game.
He’s made incredible defensive stops on Brunson, hit a few clutch threes, including four of them in Game 3, and has been a key decision maker both without Cade and with Cade on the floor. Dennis is no stranger to some big playoff performances.
With 14 career 20+ point playoff games, he’s ready for the big stage Game 6 has to offer. Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway, and Tobias Harris have all struggled to find their shot at times this series, but for Schroder, this redemption tour means more.
Jalen Brunson (NYK) OVER 6.5 Assists
A hobbled Brunson gives the Pistons a chance to send this series back to MSG for what would be an incredible Game 7. Jalen, via Thibs’ bizarre theory of running his stars into the ground with unbelievable regular-season minutes, will become more of a playmaker tonight as he nurses the ankle injury.
JB was shut down last game with just 16 points on 4/16 from the field. In regular-season games where Brunson has scored less than 20 points, he’s followed the poor shooting night with 7.75 APG. Playmaker JB will be activated in Game 6 as the injured and tired Knicks look to close this series out.
