
DET • Forward-Center • #28
8 months ago
Stewart appeared at Pistons shootaround Thursday afternoon, his first basketball activity since leaving Game 1 against the Knicks with a knee injury. Still, the 23-year-old center isn’t available for Game 6 as he’s set to miss his fifth game in a row. The Pistons are in a must-win situation Thursday and will have to roll with Paul Reed again as the backup center to Jalen Duren.

DET • Forward-Center • #28
8 months ago
Stewart has missed Detroit’s last four games but could return for the final game in Detroit of this series. The Pistons must win to stay alive, but that wasn’t enough of a factor for Stewart to play through the injury in Game 5. If he remains out, Paul Reed will continue to fill out the backup center minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report

NYK • Center-Forward • #23
8 months ago
Robinson, who totaled eight points in the first four games of the series, had his best performance in Game 5. He recorded a double-double and four “stocks,” providing solid value off the bench. While foul shooting remains an issue, with the Pistons intentionally fouling Robinson on multiple occasions, the Knicks are aware of what they have in their reserve center. He’ll need to produce a similar effort in Game 6 on Thursday, especially if the Pistons can get Isaiah Stewart (knee) on the court. He has not played since Game 1.

NYK • Forward-Guard • #8
8 months ago
Anunoby was one of two Knicks starters to shoot 50 percent or better from the field, with Josh Hart being the other. Unfortunately for him, OG only attempted 13 shots, with Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges (17/6/2/0/1 with two three-pointers) leading the way with 16 attempts each (they were a combined 11-of-32). Anunoby has also taken on the unenviable task of defending Cade Cunningham more than any other Knick, and he has impacted the Pistons’ point guard’s efficiency. New York will need another strong effort from Anunoby in Game 6 on Thursday.

NYK • Center-Forward • #32
8 months ago
After dropping 58 points in the Knicks’ two victories in Detroit, Towns was held in check by the Pistons in Game 5. A reason for this was the decision to leave Tobias Harris on KAT as his primary defender, avoiding extended periods in which Jalen Duren took on the responsibility. Harris was outstanding defensively, challenging most of Towns’ looks and making it difficult for him to establish a presence on the low block. Also, the absence of pick-and-rolls with Jalen Brunson did not do Towns any favors. The Knicks should utilize that action much more in Game 6 on Thursday, as they look to end the series.

NYK • Guard • #3
8 months ago
Hart recorded a complete stat line on Tuesday, which included him shooting over 50 percent from the field for the first time since Game 1. Unfortunately, he suffered a lower back injury due to an awkward fall during the fourth quarter. The Knicks trailed by two when Hart and Jalen Brunson (ankle) exited with 2:57 remaining, and Detroit would extend its lead to six by the time those two returned with 27.1 seconds remaining. It’s fair to assume Hart will do everything he can to be on the court for Game 6 on Thursday, but he will undoubtedly be sore on Wednesday morning.

NYK • Guard • #11
8 months ago
Harassed by Pistons defensive ace Ausar Thompson for most of his time on the court, Brunson shot 3-of-12 from inside the arc in Game 5. Making matters worse was the Knicks’ point guard aggravating his right ankle injury late in the fourth quarter. With New York trailing by two when Brunson and Josh Hart had to exit due to injuries, the Pistons extended their lead to six before the two starters returned to the game with 27.1 seconds remaining. There’s no doubt that Brunson will do his best to play through the ankle injury, but it becomes more concerning the longer this series lasts. Game 6 is on Thursday in Detroit.

DET • Forward • #12
8 months ago
Harris has been the Pistons’ best defensive matchup for Knicks big Karl-Anthony Towns, even on nights when KAT goes off. Tobias was outstanding defensively in Game 5, with the six “stocks” being the most he’s recorded in a game this series, and Towns shot 5-of-14 from the field. The veteran Pistons forward was also solid offensively, stepping up in a big way to extend the series to Game 6. Detroit will host the Knicks on Thursday night, and Little Caesars Arena is expected to be electric.

DET • Guard-Forward • #9
8 months ago
For the first time in this series, Thompson managed to make the Knicks pay for their willingness to leave him alone offensively. The second-year wing took full advantage of the dunker spot in Game 5, with either Cade Cunningham or Jalen Duren (9/14/6/0/2 in 33 minutes) finding him for layups or dunks. Thompson did not shoot well from the foul line, but the improved offensive production made it easier for Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff to leave him on the court in crunch time. Detroit will need a similar effort from Thompson in Game 6 on Thursday if they’re to force a decisive seventh game.

DET • Guard • #2
8 months ago
Cunningham did not have the most efficient night, shooting well below 50 percent from the field and committing five turnovers. However, he made frequent visits to the foul line to boost the point total, and the Pistons’ improved ball control overall factored into their win on Tuesday. Cunningham still recorded a complete stat line, but he has committed at least five turnovers in all five games of the series. Thanks to their victory, the Pistons get another chance to face the Knicks at home, with Game 6 scheduled for Thursday night.

NYK • Guard • #44
8 months ago
Added to the Knicks’ injury report earlier Tuesday afternoon, Shamet will be available for Game 5. However, he totaled 10 minutes in Games 2 through 4, so he may not figure prominently in New York’s bench rotation.
Source: Stefan Bondy

NYK • Guard • #44
8 months ago
Shamet is a late addition to the injury report for Game 5, which is a concerning development regarding his availability for the game. After playing 10 minutes in Game 1, he logged a total of 10 minutes in the next three contests. Shamet’s absence would not be highly impactful if he’s unable to play.
Source: NBA Injury Report

DET • Forward-Center • #28
8 months ago
Stewart has not appeared in a game since the series opener on April 19 due to an inflamed right knee. Beef Stew is left to hope his teammates can force a Game 6 as they go into Tuesday trailing by three games to one. Paul Reed will continue to serve as Jalen Duren’s backup, but he’s unlikely to surpass 15 minutes in that role.
Source: NBA Injury Report

DET • Forward-Center • #28
8 months ago
Stewart logged 19 minutes in Game 1 and has missed the last three games of the first-round series with New York. Should Stewart miss Game 5, Paul Reed should continue to pick up additional minutes in his absence.
Source: NBA Injury Report

NYK • Center-Forward • #32
8 months ago
KAT made the most important bucket of the night from long distance to give the Knicks a 94-93 lead in the fourth quarter. The star big man has bounced back in a big way after scoring just 10 points in Game 2. He’s made nine of his previous 14 shots from beyond the arc and will look to continue stretching the floor with his sharpshooting in Game 5.

NYK • Guard • #11
8 months ago
Brunson had an injury scare in the third quarter but was crucial in the final frame when his team secured a comeback victory. The star point guard scored 15 points in the fourth quarter to help New York edge out Detroit in a low-scoring contest. He’s scored at least 30 points in every game of the first-round series.

NYK • Guard • #11
8 months ago
Brunson is back on the hardwood after spending the final two minutes of the third quarter in the locker room with an ankle injury. He checked back roughly two minutes into the fourth quarter and will look to fuel his team’s comeback.

NYK • Guard • #11
8 months ago
Brunson is back on the hardwood after spending the final two minutes of the third quarter in the locker room with an ankle injury. He checked back in roughly two minutes into the fourth quarter and will look to fuel his team’s comeback.

NYK • Guard • #11
8 months ago
Brunson appeared to tweak his right ankle in the closing minutes of the third quarter during Game 4 against the Pistons. He returned to the bench ahead of the fourth quarter and appears poised to make his return to the contest.

NYK • Guard • #11
8 months ago
Brunson appeared to tweak his right ankle in the closing minutes of his team’s Sunday matchup with the Pistons. He returned to the bench ahead of the fourth quarter and appears poised to make his return to the contest.

NYK • Center-Forward • #23
8 months ago
Robinson has overcome his illness and will be available for Sunday’s game against the Pistons. It’s unclear if he’ll be able to carry his usual workload, so there’s still a chance Precious Achiuwa could take on a minor role off the bench.

NYK • Center-Forward • #23
8 months ago
Robinson’s status for Sunday is still up in the air. The Knicks big man has provided some key rim protection and rebounding off the bench, but is dealing with an illness. Precious Achiuwa could enter the rotation if Robinson isn’t good to go to wrap up the weekend.

NYK • Center-Forward • #23
8 months ago
Robinson’s status for Sunday is still up in the air. The Knicks big man has provided some key rim protection and rebounding off the bench, but is dealing with an illness. Precious Achiuwa could enter the rotation if Robinson isn’t good to go to wrap up the weekend.

DET • Forward-Center • #28
8 months ago
Stewart is set to miss his third straight playoff game on Sunday. The backup center’s knee isn’t recovering quickly, so Paul Reed should continue to pick up the slack as a bench contributor in Game 4.

DET • Forward-Center • #28
8 months ago
Stewart is set to miss his third straight playoff game on Sunday. The backup center’s knee isn’t recovering quickly, so Paul Reed should continue to pick up the slack as a bench contributor in Game 4.

DET • Forward-Center • #28
8 months ago
Stewart has missed the last two games of this series, with Paul Reed replacing him in the rotation. The Pistons would stick with that adjustment if Beef Stew misses Game 4. His absence also means more playing time for starter Jalen Duren, provided he stays out of foul trouble.
Source: NBA Injury Report

NYK • Center-Forward • #23
8 months ago
Despite Robinson missing Saturday’s practice with an illness, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said he expects the backup center to be available on Sunday. If he’s unable to play, Precious Achiuwa will likely enter the rotation. While he is active offensively, the Knicks take a hit defensively when Achiuwa replaces Robinson in the lineup.
Source: Fred Katz

DET • Guard • #71
8 months ago
Schroder’s play on both ends of the floor is one reason why the Pistons have been highly competitive in their first postseason appearance since 2019. After scoring eight points in Game 1, he totaled 38 in Games 2 and 3, making plays on and off the ball. Also, Schroder has done a good job of defending Jalen Brunson when his name has been called, even if the Knicks point guard made some big plays down the stretch on Thursday. Schroder and the Pistons will look to even the series on Sunday when they host Game 4.

DET • Guard • #2
8 months ago
Cunningham recorded a complete stat line in Game 3, but the Knicks did a better job of making him work for his offense than in Game 2. He shot 40 percent from the field, which isn’t terrible, but he also had six turnovers on the night. To avoid falling into a 3-1 hole on Sunday, the Pistons will need Cunningham to be at his best. And overall, he’s played exceptionally well in his first postseason appearance.

DET • Center • #0
8 months ago
Duren’s stat line was not as robust as it was in Detroit’s Game 2 victory, but the third-year center has played well thus far. Foul trouble cut into Duren’s minutes slightly during the second half. Paul Reed once again assumed the backup center role with Isaiah Stewart (knee) out, and he recorded four points, eight rebounds and one block in 16 minutes. Duren and Reed will remain in Detroit’s big man rotation if Stewart is unable to play in Game 4 on Sunday.

DET • Guard-Forward • #8
8 months ago
This series has been a roller coaster of sorts for Hardaway, who’s facing the franchise that selected him in the first round of the 2013 draft. After scoring 19 points in Game 1, he was scoreless on 0-of-8 shooting in Monday’s Game 2 victory. Returning home worked wonders for Hardaway, even if his performance was not part of a Pistons’ victory. Inconsistent shooting was an issue for him throughout the regular season, so it would be unsurprising if THJ struggled in Game 4 on Sunday. That said, the Pistons need him to be at his best if they’re to even the series.

NYK • Guard-Forward • #25
8 months ago
After scoring eight points in New York’s series-opening victory, Bridges totaled 39 in Games 2 and 3. He did a bit of everything on Thursday, recording a complete stat line while shooting over 50 percent from the field. With the Knicks looking to give Jalen Brunson the occasional respite while on the court, Bridges has done a little more in the way of playmaking in this series. That has not resulted in an explosion in the assist category, but it has ensured that Bridges remains involved offensively. Game 4 is on Sunday afternoon in Detroit.

NYK • Guard-Forward • #25
8 months ago
After scoring eight points in New York’s series-opening victory, Bridges totaled 39 in Games 2 and 3. He did a bit of everything on Thursday, recording a complete stat line while shooting over 50 percent from the field. With the Knicks looking to give Jalen Brunson the occasional respite while on the court, Bridges has done a little more in the way of playmaking in this series. That has not resulted in an explosion in the assist category, but it has ensured that Bridges remains involved offensively. Game 4 is on Sunday afternoon in Detroit.

NYK • Forward-Guard • #8
8 months ago
Like Karl-Anthony Towns, Anunoby’s ability to rebound from a poor Game 2 was a reason why New York took a 2-1 series lead on Thursday. Having attempted just ten shots on Monday, the Knicks’ wing put up 17 in Game 3 and also attempted six free throws. When the Knicks make a concerted effort to share the offensive workload, they’re a difficult team to defend. In addition to the improved offensive output, Anunoby was also responsible for two steals, bringing his total to nine through three games. Game 4 is on Sunday afternoon.

NYK • Forward-Guard • #8
8 months ago
Like Karl-Anthony Towns, Anunoby’s ability to rebound from a poor Game 2 was a reason why New York took a 2-1 series lead on Thursday. Having attempted just ten shots on Monday, the Knicks’ wing put up 17 in Game 3 and also attempted six free throws. When the Knicks make a concerted effort to share the offensive workload, they’re a difficult team to defend. In addition to the improved offensive output, Anunoby was also responsible for two steals, bringing his total to nine through three games. Game 4 is on Sunday afternoon.

NYK • Guard • #11
8 months ago
Brunson struggled from beyond the arc on Thursday, making just one of his seven attempts. However, he was 8-of-13 from two and attempted 13 free throws, finishing with his third straight 30-point game. Brunson and the Knicks did a much better job of distributing the offensive workload in Game 3, resulting in four starters scoring at least 20 points. New York will look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead on Sunday afternoon.

NYK • Center-Forward • #32
8 months ago
After attempting just three shots after halftime in Monday’s Game 2 defeat, Towns was far more involved in the Knicks’ offense Thursday night. He shot 3-of-7 from the field in the first quarter and generally punished whichever Piston was tasked with guarding him throughout the night. As a result of the Game 3 win, the Knicks hold a 2-1 lead in a series they could very well trail by a 3-0 margin. Towns will need to remain aggressive in Sunday’s Game 4 if the Knicks are to strengthen their grip on the series.

DET • Forward-Center • #28
8 months ago
Stewart will miss a second straight game due to right knee inflammation, leaving the Pistons down a player within their frontcourt rotation. Paul Reed will serve as the backup center, while starter Jalen Duren’s minutes will increase. Reed only played 11 minutes in Monday’s Game 2 victory but led the Pistons in plus/minus.
Source: NBA Injury Report

DET • Forward-Center • #28
8 months ago
Stewart’s lingering case of right knee inflammation kept him on the sidelines for Monday’s Game 2 victory. Starter Jalen Duren’s playing time increased, as he logged 37 minutes, with Paul Reed playing the other 11 at the center position. Expect a similar split if “Beef Stew” cannot play on Thursday.
Source: NBA Injury Report

NYK • Guard • #11
8 months ago
For the second game in a row, Brunson briefly exited late in the game but was able to return. Head coach Tom Thibodeau said after Game 1 that Brunson went to get his cape. Well, he must’ve forgotten to grab it while he was back there on Monday. Brunson was still excellent in this game, but it wasn’t enough for New York to take care of business at home and head to Detroit with a 2-0 lead in the series. Brunson has now scored 34 and 37 points through the first two games, and he’ll continue to be an offensive juggernaut for the Knicks for the remainder of this series.

NYK • Guard-Forward • #25
8 months ago
Bridges was the second-leading scorer behind Jalen Brunson (37) for the Knicks in this game, but he still wasn’t great, especially down the stretch. He was held scoreless in the fourth quarter and missed multiple clean looks late in the game, including a three-pointer with 11 seconds left that would’ve tied this game. Instead, New York will now head to Detroit for Game 3 with the series tied at one game apiece. Bridges only had eight points in Game 1, and they’ll need him to be much better for the Knicks to reclaim homecourt advantage in this series.

NYK • Center-Forward • #32
8 months ago
Towns was awesome in Game 1 and contributed a 23/11/5/4/2 line in 39 minutes. However, he wasn’t able to repeat that performance, mostly because the team didn’t make him a priority. He was held scoreless in the second half and took just three shots after the break. His last shot attempts came with 5:20 remaining in the third quarter. Towns didn’t do a great job on the glass either. While he needs to be better there, Towns is a dynamic scorer. They aren’t paying him $49 million this season because he makes the hustle plays. They need to get him going in Game 3 on Thursday.

DET • Guard • #71
8 months ago
Schroder came up big for Detroit in this game. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Malik Beasley combined to shoot 2-of-17 from the floor and 1-of-14 from deep, but the Pistons still walked away with a win because of Schroder. He hit a late three-pointer with the game tied at 94 to give Detroit a lead that they held onto. This came after Schroder scored just eight points in Game 1. He may not score to this level often, but the veteran guard will continue to be an important piece for the Pistons in the postseason.

DET • Center • #0
8 months ago
Duren played 25 minutes in Game 1, but with Isaiah Stewart (knee) sidelined for Game 2, Duren’s minutes ballooned to 37, with Paul Reed playing the other 11 minutes at center. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff couldn’t play Duren all 48 minutes, but he isn’t going to rely on Reed unless he absolutely has to. If Stewart remains out for Game 3 on Thursday in Detroit, Duren should once again play the majority of the center minutes for the Pistons.

DET • Forward • #12
8 months ago
After scoring 24 points in Game 1, Harris didn’t have as much success as a scorer on Monday. However, he was able to make a big impact on the glass. He was one of three Pistons to grab at least 12 rebounds in a game where they outrebounded the Knicks 48-34. That ended up being a big factor in this game. Harris was ran out of Philadelphia for his poor postseason performances, but his first two games with Detroit have been great. He’ll look to keep it going in Game 3 in Detroit on Thursday.

DET • Guard • #2
8 months ago
After contributing 21 points and 12 assists in his playoff debut, Cunningham focused more on scoring in his second playoff game, which led to him getting his first postseason victory. The 2021 No. 1 overall pick accounted for nearly one-third of his teams points and contributed to more with his playmaking. He didn’t match his 12 dimes from Saturday, but Cunningham took control to lead the franchise to their first playoff win since 2008. The series will head to Detroit for the next two games, with Game 3 coming on Thursday.

DET • Forward-Center • #28
8 months ago
Stewart underwent postgame imaging after Saturday’s loss after struggling through that game. He won’t be available as Jalen Duren’s backup off the bench. Paul Reed is next in line at center, but he isn’t a player that Detroit wants to have to trust in the postseason. Duren may just end up playing more minutes.
Source: Ian Begley

DET • Forward-Center • #28
8 months ago
Stewart has been dealing with right knee inflammation for a while now, including during Saturday’s loss to the Knicks in the series opener. While “Beef Stew” played for 19 minutes, he appeared to struggle with his movements and was not as impactful as he could have been. If Stewart cannot play on Monday, Paul Reed would likely move into the rotation; however, he is not as impactful, especially defensively.
Source: NBA Injury Report

DET • Guard • #5
8 months ago
As was the case for most of the regular season, Beasley provided solid production off the bench in Game 1. And after shooting 14-of-25 from three in two games against the Bucks to end the regular season, he carried that form over into Saturday’s matchup. Beasley shot 6-of-12 from three in Game 1 while also providing solid value in rebounds, steals and blocks. In four regular-season meetings with the Knicks, he shot 55.6 percent from three with an average of 3.8 makes and 15.8 points. Based on those numbers and his showing on Saturday, Beasley will have value in this series. Game 2 is on Monday night.

DET • Guard • #2
8 months ago
Cunningham recorded a double-double in his playoff debut, but this was far from a smooth performance for the Pistons’ point guard. Guarded by OG Anunoby for most of Game 1, Cade shot under 50 percent from the field and committed six turnovers. Also, he and the Pistons appeared powerless to stop what would become a 21-0 Knicks run to open the fourth quarter. Now that Cunningham has a taste of the postseason, he’ll look to rebound on Monday when the Pistons and Knicks meet again in Game 2.

DET • Guard-Forward • #8
8 months ago
As was the case for most of the regular season, Hardaway provided points and three-pointers, and not much else. That said, this was an encouraging performance, given how he ended the regular season. In Detroit’s final three games, Hardaway totaled 19 points on 7-of-21 shooting. With the defensive attention the Knicks have devoted to Cade Cunningham, there will be opportunities for Hardaway to put up points playing off the ball. He and the Pistons will look to even the series when they face the Knicks in Game 2 on Monday.

DET • Forward • #12
8 months ago
Saturday’s series opener was a tale of two halves for Harris. Shooting 7-of-10 from the field, he scored 22 points in the first half. Harris would only attempt three shots after halftime, going silent as the Pistons went from leading by eight at the end of the third quarter to trailing by 13 due to a 21-0 Knicks run. While the overall line was encouraging, the Pistons need a more consistent Harris if they’re to win this series. Game 2 is on Monday night.

NYK • Guard • #1
8 months ago
With the Knicks trailing the Pistons by eight at the end of the third quarter, the home team needed a spark in Saturday’s series opener. Enter Payne, who hit two three-pointers and shot 4-of-5 from the field in the fourth. His production was part of a 21-0 Knicks run that swung the game’s momentum, compensating for fellow reserve Miles McBride’s (one rebound, four assists, and one steal) failure to score in his 15 minutes on the court. Payne can be erratic, but days like Saturday serve as a reminder of the value he can bring to the table. Game 2 is scheduled for Monday night.

NYK • Center-Forward • #32
8 months ago
Towns was impactful on both ends of the floor in his first playoff game in a Knicks uniform. In addition to shooting well over 50 percent from the field, he recorded a complete stat line and did not commit a turnover. To say he looked far more comfortable on Saturday than he did in New York’s April 10 loss to the Pistons would be an understatement. The Knicks will need Towns to consistently reach (or exceed) the level he played at on Saturday to go deep into the playoffs. Game 2 is on Monday night.

NYK • Guard • #11
8 months ago
For the first half of Saturday’s season opener, Detroit wing Ausar Thompson and guard Dennis Schroder did an excellent job of defending Brunson. The Knicks’ point guard shot 3-of-14 from the field in the first half, and appeared to tweak his right ankle during the third quarter. However, a footwear change may have done the trick, as Brunson shot 9-of-13 from the field to finish the Game 1 victory. Additionally, he committed only one turnover, a sign that the early shooting struggles did not affect Brunson’s work as a playmaker. The Knicks will look to take a 2-0 series lead on Monday.

NYK • Forward-Guard • #8
8 months ago
Anunoby came out hot to start Saturday’s series opener, scoring 19 first-half points on 6-of-10 shooting from the field. While his offensive production tailed off after the break, that was not the case for the Knicks’ wing’s defense. Given the task of defending Cade Cunningham, Anunoby made the point guard’s life difficult for most of the evening. And he was outstanding during New York’s 21-0 fourth quarter run, forcing multiple turnovers to get the Knicks out in transition. New York hosts Game 2 on Monday night.