NEW YORK, 20 February 2026 – The NBA regular season resumed with high intensity on Thursday night as the New York Knicks hosted the league-leading Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden. Following a successful All-Star break, both teams faced significant roster challenges due to a string of injuries and disciplinary suspensions.
Match Overview and Recent Form
The Detroit Pistons entered the contest as the NBA’s most dominant force this season, boasting a 40-13 record. Despite their recent success, including eight wins in their last ten outings, the Pistons were forced to navigate a depleted frontcourt. The New York Knicks, currently holding a 23-13 record, looked to capitalise on their home-court advantage at the “World’s Most Famous Arena” to close the gap in the Eastern Conference standings.
This matchup marked the third meeting between the two storied franchises this season. While the Knicks have historically held the upper hand in the all-time series, the Pistons have proven to be a formidable opponent in 2026, recently recording a dominant 53-point victory in a previous encounter.
Head-to-Head Statistics
The rivalry between New York and Detroit is one of the most frequent matchups in NBA history. Below is the all-time regular-season statistical breakdown:
| Stat Category | New York Knicks | Detroit Pistons |
|---|---|---|
| Total Games Played | 403 | 403 |
| All-Time Wins | 222 | 181 |
| Last 20 Games Record | 13-7 | 7-13 |
| Average Points Per Game (H2H) | 102.5 | 101.3 |
Injury Report and Suspensions
Both squads were missing vital components for the 19 February clash, significantly impacting the betting odds and tactical approaches. The Pistons were notably thin at the centre position, while the Knicks monitored the status of their primary defensive stopper.
- Detroit Pistons: Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart were both unavailable due to league-mandated suspensions. However, rookie Ronald Holland was cleared to return following a personal absence.
- New York Knicks: Miles McBride remained out with an ankle and core injury. OG Anunoby was a game-time decision, listed as questionable with a toe injury.
Betting Odds and Market Insight
Bookmakers favoured the Knicks slightly at home, opening the spread at -2.5 and moving to -4.5 by tip-off. The Total Points line was set at 223.5, reflecting the offensive capabilities of Jalen Brunson and Cade Cunningham. Public sentiment on platforms like Reddit suggested that while the Knicks match up well against Detroit’s style, the Pistons’ league-best record made them a dangerous underdog at +145 on the moneyline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won more games between the Knicks and Pistons?
The New York Knicks hold the all-time regular-season advantage with 222 wins compared to 181 for the Detroit Pistons.
Where was the game on 19 February 2026 played?
The game was held at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Why were Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart missing for the Pistons?
Both players were serving suspensions, leaving Detroit without their primary starting frontcourt players for the matchup against New York.
What is the Pistons’ record so far this season?
As of 20 February 2026, the Detroit Pistons hold the best record in the NBA at 40-13.