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

The Detroit Pistons enter the All-Star break after tonight’s contest against former teammate Derrick Rose and his New York Knicks. Rose’s status has been a bit of a mystery as he has recently been held out for health and safety protocols. This is your last bit of basketball before an extended break so soak it in Pistons fans.

Game Vitals

When: 7:30 p.m. EST
Where: Madison Square Garden
Watch: Fox Sports Detroit
Odds: Pistons +7

Rose was averaging 16.3 points and 7.3 assists during New York’s three-game winning streak. That streak was snapped when Rose was forced to sit out a 119-93 drubbing at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs.

In all, the Rose reunion for the New York Knicks has gone just as hoped with a 7-3 record and a solidified point guard rotation between Rose and rookie surprise Immanuel Quickley.

The Pistons are happy with the trade results as well. They not only received a decent second-round pick in exchange for Rose, but are taking a flyer on Dennis Smith Jr. The 23-year-old point guard was buried on the end of New York’s bench and it was clear he needed a change of scenery.

In 11 games, including six starts in place of the injured Delon Wright, Smith has emerged with some of his old Dallas-era athleticism and confidence in tact. In Wednesday’s game against a depleted Toronto Raptors team, Smith had a triple double and looks more and more comfortable starting for the rebuilding Pistons. He’s averaging 8 points, 4 assists, 1.3 turnovers and 1.4 steals for Detroit.

Elsewhere, it’ll be nice to see almost All-Star Jerami Grant go against All-Star Julius Randle. I’m hoping Grant wins the matchup convincingly. Finally, for the love of God, Saben Lee, please throw down a sick dunk tonight. It’s the last game before the break. It’s Madison Square Garden. I want something special to happen.