The two are split after two games, and we’re bound for a tough fight in Game 3.
Catch the game tomorrow at 7:00 AM, Manila time.
AWAY: New York Knicks (1-1)
Projected starting five:
- Jalen Brunson
- OG Anunoby
- Josh Hart
- Mikal Bridges
- Karl-Anthony Towns
The Knicks had a blistering 21-0 run in the 4th Quarter of Game 1, which was the obvious key to their win. They didn’t do that in Game 2, and that insane, rarely-seen explosion is basically the difference for them being down two-zip against a young Pistons team – that’s a cause for concern. They have simply failed to match Detroit’s intensity, which is weird to see from a Tom Thibodeau-coached team.
While Jalen Brunson is putting on the numbers (35.5 PPG, 7.5 APG), he seems more consumed on getting the whistle more than anything. We’ll see if he cleans it up now that they’ll be in enemy territory. Beyond that, though, Karl-Anthony Towns has to be more assertive as he is at an underwhelming 16.5 PPG after two games, especially since he’s shooting efficiently at 60%. He’s due for a 30-plus point night.
The wing trio of Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby will be key as well as they are two-way guys that can get buckets. If they are able to be more offensively active than the past two games, the Knicks should be in great shape.
HOME: Detroit Pistons (1-1)
Projected starting five:
- Cade Cunningham
- Tim Hardaway Jr.
- Ausar Thompson
- Tobias Harris
- Jalen Duren
These upstart Pistons should be feeling themselves. It’s Detroit’s first postseason in six years, and they just brought the franchise’s first playoff win in… brace yourself… 17 years! The last time they won a playoff game, Chauncey Billups was their point guard – he’s now the Portland Trail Blazers’ head coach, rocking a gray beard.
Nevertheless, the energy is sure to be overflowing. This is Cade Cunningham’s extended coming out party, basically a follow-up to his first All-Star nod last February, and he’s been showing out (27.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 7.5 APG). His home playoff debut will be one to watch out for.
Cunningham is also aided by two veterans that were considered afterthoughts: Tobias Harris, who was run out of the Philadelphia 76ers, and Dennis Schroder, who was traded twice this season. Harris, in particular, is key as he has 20.0 PPG on 55.6% in the series.
Malik Beasley and Jalen Duren have had a lukewarm series thus far, but we’ll see now that they’re in front of the home crowd. The former is decent at disrupting the interior anyway.
PICKS:
Spread: Pistons (+1.5)
Over/Under: Over (214.5)
