The New York Knicks lead the Detroit Pistons 3-2 in their first-round NBA playoff series, with Game 6 set to be played in Detroit. Game 5 was a playoff classic with the Pistons coming back late in the fourth quarter to surprise the Knicks, who were preparing to stamp their ticket to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. The Knicks had a few mid-game injuries to Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. Their chances at potentially blowing the 3-1 lead they had after four games shoot up with every extra bump and bruise their starters suffer. Now we are going to look ahead and determine the best bets and make a Pistons-Knicks Game 6 prediction.
Pistons-Knicks Game 6 Best Bets and Predictions
*All Pistons-Knicks Game 6 odds are courtesy of Bovada as of Wednesday morning.
Mikal Brides: Over 15.5 Points (-108)
Our first best bet and Pistons-Knicks Game 6 prediction is that Mikal Bridges will be a significant contributor on Thursday. Although Brunson has said that his minor leg injury he suffered in Game 5 won’t hold him back in Game 6, he may still be limited. This is where Bridges comes in. The Knicks are going to need to get some offense from elsewhere, and Bridges is ready to step up.
Bridges’ point line is set at 15.5. Notably, he has eclipsed that mark in three of the last four games this series. Bridges projects to be a huge factor in Game 6. We think reaching 16 or more points should be relatively easy for him in this crucial game.
Tobias Harris: Over 15.5 Points (-112)
This is another scoring total we think is too low. Tobias Harris has scored at least 15 points in four of the five games this series. He has 17 and 18 points in his last two outings. He has played huge minutes in the best games for the Pistons, and we expect the Pistons to lean on his veteran savviness in Game 6 as well. Harris has scored less than 16 points only three times in his last eight games. Although many don’t believe in Harris in clutch playoff situations, we like Harris’ over on Thursday night.
Pistons-Knicks Game 6 Prediction
Undoubtedly, this series has been hard to predict. The Pistons seemed like they would be outmatched by the Knicks. However, so far this series, they have been showing that they truly belong in the playoffs. They’ve grabbed two solid wins against the Knicks and have kept the series extremely close overall. As the Knicks players seem to be starting to break down physically (par for the course with a Tom Thibodeau -led team), the Pistons could have a real shot at forcing a Game 7. Right now, they are -2 favorites to win Game 6.
With Brunson and maybe Hart somewhat hobbled, we like the Pistons to come out and have a huge Game 6 on their home floor. If they turn up the intensity on the Knicks early, this could spell trouble for New York. Take the Pistons spread or moneyline if you believe in the feisty young Detroit squad to make this series extremely interesting.
Photo credit: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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