New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons (01-06-2026) game preview: When and where to watch, expected lineup, injury report, prediction, and more

On Monday night, the Detroit Pistons will visit Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks, the two top teams in the Eastern Conference standings. Since winning the NBA Cup, the Knicks have had some difficulties. They are 5-5 in their last ten games and lost both of their back-to-back games to Atlanta and Philadelphia this past weekend.

Star centre Jalen Duren (ankle) was out from the Pistons' Sunday afternoon away victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Boston Celtics and New York are both within striking distance of the top seed, but Cade Cunningham and the Pistons still lead the Knicks by three games in the East.

New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons - When and where to watch the game

The New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons, the top two teams in the Eastern Conference, will square off for the first game this season at 7:00 PM ET. On Tuesday, January 5, the game will begin. Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, has been selected as the location. The entire game will be streamed live by Peacock and NBCSN.

New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons - Expected Starting Lineups

New York Knicks

PG Jalen Brunson
SG Miles McBride
SF Mikal Bridges
PF OG Anunoby
C Karl-Anthony Towns

Detroit Pistons

PG Cade Cunningham
SG Duncan Robinson
SF Ausar Thompson
PF Ronald Holland II
C Isaiah Stewart

New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons - Injury Report

New York Knicks

• Josh Hart- Out (Ankle)
• Landry Shamet- Out (Shoulder)

Detroit Pistons

• Caris LeVert- Out (Knee)
• Duncan Robinson- Day-to-day (Left calf contusion)
• Cade Cunningham- Day-to-day (Right hip contusion)
• Isaac Jones- Day-to-day (Knee)
• Wendell Moore Jr.- Day-to-day (Two-way contract)
• Jalen Duren- Out (Ankle)
• Tobias Harris- Out (Hip)

New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons - Game Prediction

On Monday night, the Knicks (23-12) and Pistons (26-9) will square off at Detroit's Little Caesars Arena. Since the Knicks' first-round series victory over the Pistons in the previous year's playoffs, this will be the first meeting between these two clubs. Point guard Cade Cunningham's skill and playmaking have propelled Detroit to the top of the East standings, while the Knicks, ranked No. 2, are only three games behind.

However, Tobias Harris, a veteran, and Jalen Duren, a starter for the Pistons, will miss this game. The Pistons have turned things around because to Duren's improved offensive skills and his pick-and-roll combination with Cunningham. Harris can also make timely shots and score from the outside. As the Pistons' frontline depth is put to the test, their absence is crucial. It will therefore be neck to neck.

Also read: NBA injury update: Detroit Pistons hit with major frontcourt blow as Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris sidelined



Get the latest WPL 2026 updates including WPL teams, full WPL 2026 schedule, and live scores for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants, and Delhi Capitals. Also check the latest WPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.