After a thrilling All-Star break that left fans buzzing, the NBA is back in action, and we're diving straight into an Eastern Conference showdown. The first-place Detroit Pistons are heading to the iconic Madison Square Garden to face off against the third-place New York Knicks. The Pistons, sitting at 40-13, have a comfortable lead, but the Knicks, at 35-20, are just six games behind and eager to close the gap.
Detroit will be missing key players Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart due to suspensions from last week's altercation with the Charlotte Hornets. Duren will be back for the Pistons' next game against the Chicago Bulls, but Stewart has a longer road ahead with five games remaining on his suspension for leaving the bench during the incident.
The Knicks, meanwhile, are almost at full strength. OG Anunoby is dealing with a right toenail avulsion but is listed as probable. The team has bolstered its roster by signing Jeremy Sochan, recently waived by the San Antonio Spurs, and he's set to make his debut.
Here's what to watch for in this high-stakes matchup:
Injury Report:
- Knicks: OG Anunoby (right toenail avulsion; probable), Miles McBride (pelvic, core muscle surgery; out), Pacome Dadiet (G League assignment; questionable), Trey Jemison III (G League - two-way; questionable), Dillon Jones (G League - two-way; questionable), Kevin McCullar Jr. (G League - two-way; questionable)
How to Watch:
- Check your local listings for TV channels and live streaming options.
Upcoming Schedules:
- Knicks: Feb. 21 vs.
Houston Rockets
- Feb. 22 at Chicago Bulls
- Feb. 24 at Cleveland Cavaliers
- Feb. 27 at Milwaukee Bucks
- March 1 vs. San Antonio Spurs
- Pistons: Feb. 21 at Chicago Bulls Feb. 23 vs. San Antonio Spurs Feb. 25 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Feb. 27 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers March 1 at Orlando Magic
With both teams eyeing crucial wins, this matchup promises to deliver excitement and intensity. Keep an eye on how the Pistons manage without key players and whether the Knicks can capitalize on their home-court advantage.