The Detroit Pistons face an uphill battle as they enter the 2025 NBA playoffs as significant underdogs against the New York Knicks. The Pistons, who managed an impressive 30-win turnaround this season led by Cade Cunningham, secure the 6th seed with a 44-38 record. However, they bear the weight of a record 14-game playoff losing streak, the longest in North American sports history, while the 3rd-seeded Knicks boast two All-Stars, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Experts widely favor the Knicks in this opening series, with predictions overwhelmingly leaning towards their advancement to the second round.

While sportsbooks give the Pistons only a 20% chance to pull off the upset, expert opinions provide a range of predictions. Most analysts expect the Knicks to win in six games, with a few projecting the series might extend to seven. Despite the odds, some experts are daring to predict a Pistons upset, indicating a complex and competitive matchup. As the series approaches, Pistons' fans are left with a mix of hope and trepidation as they embark on this playoff journey.