The New York Knicks are riding high, and they’re doing it with grit, depth, and just enough drama to keep things interesting. With an eight-game win streak - tied for the longest in the league alongside the Charlotte Hornets - the Knicks are proving they're more than just a feel-good story. They’re a team that’s figuring out how to win in different ways, even when the roster isn’t at full strength.
Their latest victory? A double-overtime thriller against the defending champion Denver Nuggets.
It wasn’t pretty, but it was gutsy - the kind of game that tests your legs, your bench, and your belief in one another. Now, the Knicks head to Detroit for a showdown with the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons, and they’ll do so with some key names in flux.
Injury Report: Towns Doubtful, Hart Trending Up
The Knicks are still managing a growing list of injuries, and Friday’s game could be another test of their depth. Karl-Anthony Towns, who suffered a nasty eye laceration recently, is officially listed as doubtful.
That’s a big blow - not just because of what Towns brings offensively, but because his presence stretches the floor and opens up driving lanes for New York’s guards. Without him, the Knicks will have to lean even more on their interior defense and rebounding to compete with a physical Pistons front line.
Josh Hart, who missed Wednesday’s win with an ankle issue, is listed as probable. That’s a big lift.
Hart’s versatility - his ability to defend multiple positions, crash the boards, and make the right play - has made him a glue guy for this team. If he’s back in the lineup, expect him to bring his usual energy and toughness, especially on the defensive end.
OG Anunoby remains questionable with a toe injury. His availability will be one to watch. Anunoby has been a key perimeter defender and a capable scorer, and his absence would put more pressure on the Knicks' wings to step up against a Pistons team that’s been efficient from the outside.
Backcourt Depth Takes a Hit
The Knicks will be without Miles McBride, who’s set to undergo surgery for a sports hernia. That’s a tough break for a player who’s carved out a role with his on-ball defense and ability to knock down timely shots. He’s expected to miss significant time, and there’s no clear timetable for his return - though the hope is he can be back in time for the playoffs.
Jose Alvarado, acquired just before the trade deadline, won’t be available Friday either. The defensive spark plug is still integrating with the team and is targeting Sunday’s game against Boston for his debut. Once he's up to speed, Alvarado could be a valuable addition to a Knicks backcourt that thrives on defensive intensity.
Pistons’ Injury Outlook
Detroit has its own injury concerns heading into this matchup. Jalen Duren is questionable with a knee issue - a key storyline, considering his impact on the glass and in the paint. If he’s limited or unable to go, that could tilt the rebounding battle in New York’s favor.
Duncan Robinson (quad) and Tobias Harris (hip) are both probable, giving the Pistons some much-needed scoring punch on the wing. Meanwhile, newly acquired Dario Saric won’t be available, as he’s not yet with the team.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just another regular-season game. The Knicks are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, and a win over the top team in the East would only solidify their status as a legitimate contender.
But they’ll need to do it shorthanded - again. That’s been the theme of this stretch: next man up, and keep the momentum rolling.
With Towns likely out and Anunoby uncertain, the Knicks will need big minutes from their role players. Expect Julius Randle to shoulder more of the scoring load, while Jalen Brunson continues to orchestrate the offense with the poise and confidence of a seasoned floor general.
The Pistons, meanwhile, are looking to protect their spot atop the East and show they can beat a surging team like New York. Both teams have something to prove - and that should make for a compelling battle in Detroit.