The Detroit Pistons face a crucial Game 5 against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, trailing 3–1 in their first-round playoff series. Despite the deficit, the Pistons have shown resilience and competitiveness, making them a strong candidate to cover the spread in this matchup.​

The series has been tightly contested. The Knicks took Game 1 with a 123–112 victory, but the Pistons responded in Game 2, securing a 100–94 win and ending a 17-year playoff drought. Games 3 and 4 were nail-biters, with the Knicks edging out 118–116 and 94–93 wins, respectively. Notably, Game 4 ended controversially, as officials admitted a missed foul call on Detroit's final possession, which could have altered the outcome. 

Cade Cunningham has been a standout performer, averaging 25.8 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds per game in the series. However, turnovers have been an issue, with Cunningham committing 24 over four games. The Pistons have demonstrated offensive efficiency, shooting 42.9% from the field in Game 4, and have been competitive on the boards, often matching or exceeding the Knicks in rebounds.

Three of the four games have been decided by four points or fewer, indicating the Pistons' ability to keep games within reach. Detroit has already secured a win at Madison Square Garden in Game 2, showcasing their capability to perform under pressure on the road.

Moreover, role players like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dennis Schröder have provided significant scoring support, with Hardaway Jr. hitting a career playoff-high seven three-pointers in Game 3, indicating great depth for Detroit.

Crucially for the playoffs, the Pistons have been reliable from the free-throw line, shooting 82.4% in Game 4, which could be pivotal in a close contest.

Detroit holds a 43-40-3 ATS record this season, including a 14-10-1 record when playing as at least 5.5-point underdogs. Facing elimination, the Pistons are likely to exhibit heightened urgency and focus, traits that often contribute to covering the spread in such scenarios.​

Given the competitive nature of the series, the Pistons' ability to perform on the road, and their strong ATS record, backing Detroit to cover the spread in Game 5 is a compelling bet. Their resilience and offensive capabilities suggest they can keep the game within the spread, even if they don't secure a win. 

Best odds available at Skybet.