The Knicks need to match Detroit’s edge, avoid self-inflicted wounds, and make the right adjustments to counter a scrappy opponent with nothing to lose.

The New York Knicks will open the 2025 NBA postseason with a first-round best-of-seven series against the resurgent Detroit Pistons. New York is aiming to win a first-round series for the third straight year, before potentially meeting the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals if it can advance.

Detroit (44-38) earned a 3-1 win in its regular-season series against New York (51-31). Here's a look at how the first-round matchup is projected to play out: Play-in tournament picks: Mavericks at Grizzlies | Heat at Hawks First-round picks: Nuggets vs Clippers | Lakers vs Timberwolves | Pacers vs Bucks More: 2025 NBA playoffs: Complete schedule,