Detroit (44-38) earned a 3-1 win in its regular-season series against New York (51-31). Here's a look at how the first-round matchup is projected to play out: First-round picks: Thunder vs Grizzlies | Nuggets vs Clippers | Lakers vs Timberwolves | Rockets vs Warriors | Cavaliers vs Heat | Pacers vs Bucks | Celtics vs Magic More: 2025 NBA playoffs: Complete schedule,

The New York Knicks will open the 2025 NBA postseason with a first-round best-of-seven series against the resurgent Detroit Pistons. New York is aiming to win a first-round series for the third straight year, before potentially meeting the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals if it can advance.

The Detroit News writers predict the outcome of the NBA Eastern Conference first-round playoff series between the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks.