Knicks, Pistons Set for Playoff Showdown

The New York Knicks, led by All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, will face the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Towns averaged 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds during his debut season in New York, bringing much-needed offensive firepower and star power to the roster. Despite finishing with a 51-31 record, the Knicks lost the season series to the Pistons and struggled against top-tier NBA teams, raising questions about their playoff readiness. The Pistons are making their first postseason appearance since 2019 and are expected to bring intensity through players like Isaiah Stewart and Ron Holland. Both Towns and fellow newcomer Mikal Bridges face significant pressure to deliver for the Knicks, whose fan base is eager for a deep playoff run. The series is seen as pivotal, potentially determining if the Knicks can reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.