National Stage for Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks Preseason Game

What’s that faint noise slowly starting to build in the background? It sounds like Mason, the Detroit Pistons in-game announcer, yelling “Deeeetroit Basketball!” At 7 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, October 4th, the Detroit Pistons face the New York Knicks in the first preseason game for either team.

Game Details

Teams: Detroit Pistons (0-0) @ New York Knicks (0-0) (Preseason)

Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

When/Watch: Tuesday, 7 p.m. ET, TNT (MSG)

Quick Notes

The Knicks are seeking to get back to their winning ways after taking a small step backward last season. They are hoping the addition of free agent Jalen Brunson will change their fortunes and make them a playoff contender.

The Detroit Pistons let it be known during media day that being young is no excuse. They also stated their goal is to win, not some time off in the future, but now. Pistons General Manager Troy Weaver and Head Coach Dwane Casey echoed the same sentiments. They think this team, while not quite ready to contend, is prepared to compete every night.

The game is on national TV (TNT), and it’s Detroit’s first contest against another team, so expect some better-than-normal moments for a preseason outing. Last preseason these teams played an exciting game, with the Knicks winning 108-100. Julius Randle proved to be in regular season shape, finishing with 29 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.

Last year the Pistons leaned on Jerami Grant, who led the team in scoring (18) and free-throws made (4). But with Grant traded during the off-season Detroit will look to establish a new go-to player. The Pistons have options in high-level young talents like Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart and Killian Hayes. Together they should be able to fill the void left by the team’s leading scorer and best wing defender.

First Looks

The basketball world will get their first look at Detroit Pistons rookies Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren. If their summer league start was any indication of what to expect from the duo, fans should be ready for speed, athleticism and excitement.

Fans should focus on Ivey’s speed and how he uses it to his advantage. There are going to be some growing pains as he adjusts to NBA speed. But if he can leverage his athleticism the way guards like Ja Morant and Jalen Green have, then Ivey’s transition should be smooth.

Jalen Duren is a player the organization has compared to Shawn Kemp.

SHAWN KEMP.

The organization has preached patience with their rookies. But they haven’t been bashful about what they think about their potential. The Kemp comparisons for Duren are eye-opening.

Connections

The Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks were involved in several draft day transactions. Those moves ultimately netted the Pistons Jalen Duren, Kevin Knox, Nerlens Noel, Alec Burks and Kemba Walker. They also freed up cap space for the Knicks to sign prized free agent guard Brunson.