The Detroit Pistons (44-36) trailed for most of the game but stepped up in the clutch, securing a 115-106 victory in a potential playoff preview against the New York Knicks (50-30) on April 11.
New York Knicks Top Performers:
Precious Achiuwa 18 PTS | 10 REB | 3 BLK | 49.5 FPS
Precious got the start today and made the most of it, filling the stat sheet with solid numbers. He’s clearly capable of this kind of performance, but his current role continues to limit his fantasy ceiling. With the starters potentially returning for the final two games, it’s unlikely that he’ll continue to see such a role again.
Karl Anthony-Towns 25 PTS | 10 REB | 5 AST | 40.5 FPS
KAT had a tough outing today, struggling with foul troubles and committing seven turnovers. Still, it wasn’t all bad—as he notched his fourth 25-point double-double in the last five games. While he’s very capable of putting up exceptional numbers, his impact has largely been concentrated in just a few areas. Even so, he should be able to maintain a 40-fantasy-point floor in upcoming matchups against the Cavaliers and the Nets.
Mikal Bridges 17 PTS | 7 AST | 2 STL | 35.9 FPS
Bridges has scored 20+ points in six of his last nine games. While he hasn’t been as efficient lately, he remains impactful with his improved playmaking and well-rounded contributions. Consistency has been an issue all season, but he’s still posted encouraging stat lines in four of his most recent outings. However, the Cavs have posed a tough challenge for him in their last two meetings, so a dip in his numbers is a strong possibility.
Miles McBride 12 PTS | 6 AST | 4 STL | 35.4 FPS
McBride stepped into the starting lineup today with several key players sidelined. While he struggled offensively, he made up for it with solid contributions for the PG spot. His defensive output may not be sustainable, but his playmaking has been a consistent part of his game even before his injury, so continued production is possible if he remains in the starting role. With that in mind, he should have a floor of around 25 fantasy points in each of the next two games.
Jalen Brunson 15 PTS | 5 AST | 2 BLK | 27.9 FPS
Brunson hasn’t been quite as productive lately, managing just 15 points and 5+ assists in two of his last three games—well below his usual standards. Some inconsistency is expected after missing a month with an ankle injury, but he did come close to dropping 30 points while dishing out 10 assists in the other game. That said, stronger performances against the Cavs and Nets are very possible.
Detroit Pistons Top Performers:
Cade Cunningham 36 PTS | 8 AST | 1 BLK | 52.4 FPS
Cunningham appeared on the injury report with a knee issue but powered through, delivering his third 35+ point performance in his last four games—and his 12th of the season. Impressively, he reached that mark while making fewer than six free throws, a feat he’s now accomplished seven times this year. Despite missing six straight games in late March due to a calf injury, Cunningham has remained in top form in his last three games, averaging 30+ points and 5+ assists with solid contributions in other categories. If the Knicks run into Cunningham in the playoffs, they’ll know exactly what kind of challenge awaits. In four games against New York this season, he’s scorched them for 30.8 points on 56.3% shooting from the field and a blistering 52.0% from three, along with 5.0 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.3 combined defensive stats (per StatMuse), powering the Pistons to a 3-1 advantage.
Jalen Duren 18 PTS | 13 REB | 1 BLK | 39.6 FPS
Duren continued his strong play at the center spot, posting his fifth double-double in six games while going a perfect 9-for-9 from the field. Impressively, he’s recorded seven double-doubles on 100% shooting this season. On defense, he’s been just as impactful, averaging 3 stocks this month. With the way he’s been playing, he should at least reach 30 fantasy points in the upcoming games.
Tim Hardaway Jr. 10 PTS | 4 REB | 3 AST | 22.3 FPS
Hardaway has been providing a big offensive boost, tallying 19 or more points in five of his last six games. However, he’s cooled off lately, scoring 10 or fewer points in two of his last three games. Despite the slump, he remains in the starting lineup and should still be a valuable contributor in their final two matchups against the Bucks.
Ron Holland II 13 PTS | 5 REB | 1 BLK | 22.0 FPS
Holland had been playing a limited role before this game, but he stepped up today and delivered decent production at the SF position. However, with the team still fighting for playoff positioning, it’s unlikely he’ll see a bigger role or production in their final two games.
Tobias Harris 17 PTS | 2 REB| 2 AST | 21.4 FPS
Harris delivered a solid performance in his return after missing five of the last six games, shooting the ball well and contributing across the board. However, his turnovers dragged down his fantasy output a bit. Still, he’s been a reliable and consistent performer all season, and should maintain a floor of around 30 fantasy points in their final two games.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Dennis Schroder 8 PTS | 2 REB | 1 AST
Schroder’s output has fallen off hard since Cunningham returned, struggling in offense and contributing little in other areas. However, he continues to play a significant role off the bench, so there’s still potential for stronger performances moving forward.
