Pistons Dominate Knicks in Convincing Victory
Monday, January 5, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Little Caesars Arena
Detroit Pistons 121, New York Knicks 90, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons?
Detroit Pistons beat New York Knicks 121-90 at Little Caesars Arena on January 5, 2026.
Who was favored in New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons?
New York Knicks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -125 (about 56% implied). The underdog won.
The Detroit Pistons delivered a commanding performance against the New York Knicks, winning decisively with a final score of 121 to 90 at Little Caesars Arena. This victory not only showcased the Pistons' strong home advantage but also marked their second consecutive win against the Knicks this season, extending their lead in the series to 2-0. The Pistons have now improved their home record to 28-9, while the Knicks fell to 23-14.
In their last ten games, the Pistons have maintained a record of 6-4, with an average of 116.6 points scored and 111.3 points allowed per game. They recently secured a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 4, 2026, with a score of 114-110. Their home performance has been solid, with a 1-1 record in their last two home games, and they have averaged 116.4 points scored in their last five outings, albeit with a slightly higher average of 115.4 points allowed.
On the other hand, the Knicks have struggled recently, losing their last three games and holding a record of 5-5 in their last ten. They have averaged 119.1 points scored but have allowed 121.8 points per game during this stretch. Their most recent game was a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on January 4, 2026, where they fell 119-130. The Knicks have a mixed record on the road, with a 3-2 record in their last five away games.
This matchup was particularly intriguing due to the previous meetings between the two teams. The Pistons had won three out of their last four encounters, including a victory earlier in the season on January 14, 2026, where they defeated the Knicks 124-119. The Knicks had initially won a game against the Pistons on November 1, 2025, but the recent trend has favored Detroit.
In terms of injuries, the Knicks are currently dealing with the day-to-day statuses of Mohamed Diawara, who has a finger issue, and Jalen Brunson, who is managing a wrist injury. Their absence could have significant implications for the Knicks' performance, especially given their recent struggles.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Knicks favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 233.5. The odds indicated a competitive matchup, but the Pistons' performance clearly defied expectations, showcasing their ability to dominate at home.
Conditions for the game were favorable for both teams, with no significant weather or venue issues reported. Fans watching the game were treated to a display of offensive prowess from the Pistons, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they outscored the Knicks 38 to 22. Key plays included Marcus Sasser's contributions, highlighted by a 28-foot three-point jumper and a 4-foot layup, both of which helped extend the Pistons' lead.
Overall, this game not only emphasized the Pistons' strength at home but also raised questions about the Knicks' ability to bounce back from their recent losses. As the season progresses, both teams will need to address their inconsistencies to remain competitive in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NY -1.5 | 233.5 o -105 / u -115 | New York Knicks -125 · Detroit Pistons +105 |
Injury report
- Mohamed DiawaraDay-To-DayFingerNew York Knicks
- Jalen BrunsonDay-To-DayWristNew York Knicks
Leaders
- PointsCade Cunningham29Detroit Pistons
- AssistsCade Cunningham13Detroit Pistons
- ReboundsIsaiah Stewart9Detroit Pistons
- PointsJalen Brunson25New York Knicks
- AssistsKevin McCullar Jr.3New York Knicks
- ReboundsMitchell Robinson10New York Knicks
Recent form
Detroit Pistons
Last 10: 6-4Streak W1116.6 scored · 111.3 allowed per game1-1 at home
- W114-110at Cleveland CavaliersJan 4
- L112-118vs Miami HeatJan 2
- W128-106at Los Angeles LakersDec 31
- L99-112at LA ClippersDec 29
- L129-131at Utah JazzDec 27
- W136-127at Sacramento KingsDec 24
- W110-102at Portland Trail BlazersDec 23
- W112-86vs Charlotte HornetsDec 21
- L114-116at Dallas MavericksDec 19
- W112-105at Boston CelticsDec 16
New York Knicks
Last 10: 5-5Streak L3119.1 scored · 121.8 allowed per game3-2 away
- L119-130vs Philadelphia 76ersJan 4
- L99-111vs Atlanta HawksJan 3
- L132-134at San Antonio SpursJan 1
- W130-125at New Orleans PelicansDec 30
- W128-125at Atlanta HawksDec 28
- W126-124vs Cleveland CavaliersDec 25
- L104-115at Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 24
- W132-125vs Miami HeatDec 21
- L107-116vs Philadelphia 76ersDec 20
- W114-113at Indiana PacersDec 19
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | - | 26 | W2 | .683 | 56 |
| New York | 3 | 29 | L1 | .646 | 53 |
| Toronto | 10 | 36 | W1 | .561 | 46 |
| Philadelphia | 11 | 37 | W2 | .549 | 45 |
| Brooklyn | 36 | 62 | L3 | .244 | 20 |
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
Box score
| Stat | New York Knicks | Detroit Pistons |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-76 | 47-86 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 55 |
| Three-pointers | 13-30 | 16-31 |
| Three-point % | 43 | 52 |
| Free throws | 13-14 | 11-16 |
| Free throw % | 93 | 69 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 44 |
| Offensive rebounds | 5 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 30 |
| Assists | 15 | 25 |
| Steals | 7 | 12 |
| Blocks | 3 | 11 |
| Turnovers | 20 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 33 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 21 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 52 |
| Fouls | 17 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 1 | 33 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 0 | 99 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter56-75Paul Reed makes 5-foot alley oop dunk (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 3rd Quarter56-78Cade Cunningham makes 28-foot three point jumper (Paul Reed assists)
- 3rd Quarter59-78Mikal Bridges makes 23-foot three point jumper (OG Anunoby assists)
- 3rd Quarter59-80Cade Cunningham makes 4-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter59-81Cade Cunningham makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter59-83Cade Cunningham makes 13-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter62-83Jalen Brunson makes 26-foot three pointer
- 3rd Quarter63-83Jalen Brunson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter65-83Tyler Kolek makes driving layup (Mikal Bridges assists)
- 3rd Quarter66-83Jalen Brunson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter67-83Jalen Brunson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter67-85Jaden Ivey makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter69-85Jalen Brunson makes 6-foot fade away jump shot
- 3rd Quarter69-86Jaden Ivey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter69-87Jaden Ivey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter69-89Jaden Ivey makes running layup
- 4th Quarter70-89Karl-Anthony Towns makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter71-89Karl-Anthony Towns makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter71-92Daniss Jenkins makes 24-foot three point jumper (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 4th Quarter71-95Javonte Green makes 23-foot three point jumper (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 4th Quarter71-98Ronald Holland II makes 22-foot three point jumper (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 4th Quarter73-98Tyler Kolek makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter73-101Javonte Green makes 28-foot running jump shot (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 4th Quarter76-101Miles McBride makes 26-foot three point jumper (Guerschon Yabusele assists)
- 4th Quarter76-103Isaiah Stewart makes 4-foot two point shot (Ronald Holland II assists)
- 4th Quarter79-103Miles McBride makes 27-foot three point jumper (Ariel Hukporti assists)
- 4th Quarter82-103Miles McBride makes 25-foot running pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter82-105Jaden Ivey makes 22-foot jumper
- 4th Quarter82-108Javonte Green makes 26-foot running pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter82-111Marcus Sasser makes 26-foot three point jumper (Daniss Jenkins assists)
- 4th Quarter83-111Tyler Kolek makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter84-111Tyler Kolek makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-111Ariel Hukporti makes 6-foot floating jump shot (Guerschon Yabusele assists)
- 4th Quarter86-114Marcus Sasser makes 28-foot three point jumper (Tolu Smith assists)
- 4th Quarter87-114Pacome Dadiet makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter88-114Pacome Dadiet makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter88-116Marcus Sasser makes 4-foot layup (Javonte Green assists)
- 4th Quarter88-119Javonte Green makes 23-foot three point jumper (Chaz Lanier assists)
- 4th Quarter88-121Daniss Jenkins makes 4-foot running dunk (Marcus Sasser assists)
- 4th Quarter90-121Kevin McCullar Jr. makes driving layup (Pacome Dadiet assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Detroit Pistons, below favours New York Knicks.
Venue
- Little Caesars ArenaDetroit, MI
- Attendance20032
- OfficialsPat Fraher, Ray Acosta, Jonathan Sterling
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