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The New York Knicks visit the Pistons in a matchup between two of the struggling Eastern Conference teams. The Pistons beat the Knicks in the last contest between the two teams at the Madison Square Garden.
The Pistons started the season on a very impressive note but struggled to keep up the momentum. They have improved a bit in recent games as they continue to push for a playoff spot. The Pistons currently have a 24-29 record and are the 9th ranked team in the Eastern Conference. They are 1.5 games back of the last playoff spot.
Blake Griffin was selected for the All-Star game for the first time since 2015. He has been absolutely brilliant for the Pistons and is their only reliable option on the offensive end. He is averaging 26 points per game for the season and is the team's leading scorer. The Pistons recently traded away Reggie Bullock to the Lakers and will miss his contribution on both ends of the floor.
The Knicks are the worst team in the NBA and are struggling for consistency. They recently sent shockwaves throughout the entire NBA when they traded their superstar, Kristaps Porzingis, to create cap space for two max free agents in this upcoming free agency.
The Knicks have a 10-43 record and have no chance of making the playoffs. Kevin Knox has been having a good rookie season for the team and Allonzo Trier has also been a pleasant surprise. It will be interesting to see how these two develop and fit alongside the recently acquired Dennis Smith Jr.
Here are the predicted starting lineups for the two teams:
New York Knicks: Dennis Smith Jr. (PG), Wesley Matthews (SG), Kevin Knox (SF), Noah Vonleh (PF), DeAndre Jordan (C).
Detroit Pistons: Reggie Jackson (PG), Bruce Brown Jr. (SG), Luke Kennard (SF), Blake Griffin (PF), Andre Drummond (C).
Match prediction:
The Pistons won their last encounter against the Knicks and have a good shot at making the playoffs and the Knicks have been absolutely terrible this season. I predict the Pistons to have an easy win in this match against the Knicks.
Guess the Lakers players!
