Pistons vs. Knicks Discussion: Game Time, TV, Odds, and More

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 19: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons gets a pass during the game against the New York Knicks on February 19, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The undefeated Detroit Pistons will ride their 3-0 record into New York to face the winless Knicks (0-3) tonight at Madison Square Garden. No defending champion has begun the season 4-0 since the 1969-70 Boston Celtics. The Pistons last went 4-0 in 2018-19. If the Pistons win tonight, it gets really interesting. Detroit has gone 5-0 to start a season since 2005-06. That was the 64-win team in its first year under Flip Saunders coming off of consecutive trips to the NBA Finals. But first, they have to deprive the Knicks of their first win of the season, something you know the Knicks will be fighting like hell for.

Why are the Knicks winless? Nobody on their team, save for Karl-Anthony Towns, seems to remember how to shoot. They rank 30th in points, 30th in shooting efficiency, 29th in shooting inside the arc, and 27th in points in the paint. They are also surrendering 37% shooting from three, a bottom-10 mark in the NBA. The Pistons have started the season both hot and prolific from deep and hopefully that trend continues. Last season, the Pistons went undefeated against the Knicks in the regular season and Cade Cunningham averaged 27.3 points, and shot 51% from two and 41% from three. He also averaged 11 assists and four turnovers. Also, Ausar Thompson should be back in the lineup for the Pistons tonight after sitting out the team’s victory over the Philadelphia 76ers with an ankle injury.

When: 8 p.m. ET
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
Watch: TV: NBC | Streaming: Peacock
Odds: Pistons +4.5

Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, John Collins, Paul Reed

Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns