Pistons' top-ranked defense meets Knicks' third-ranked offense Tuesday

The Detroit Pistons (60-22 last season) bring the league's toughest shooting defense to face the Knicks (53-29), owners of the third-best offense, in New York on Tuesday, October 27, at 8:00 PM ET.

Last season Detroit held opponents to an effective field goal percentage of 51.7, the lowest in the league, and forced turnovers on 14.1% of possessions, also first.

New York gave the ball away on only 11.5% of its possessions, eighth-best, and scored 117.5 points per 100 possessions. That ball security meets a defense that lives on takeaways.

The free-throw line adds a second test. Detroit allowed an opponent free-throw rate of 0.319, the highest in the league, while New York's own rate of 0.238 ranked 25th, so the Knicks rarely get there on their own.

On the glass, New York's defensive rebound percentage of 76.7 was second in the league, and Detroit's offensive rebound percentage of 30.9 was third.

Jalen Brunson scored 26 points a game last season, and Karl-Anthony Towns grabbed 11.9 rebounds. For Detroit, Cade Cunningham averaged 23.9 points and 9.9 assists.

The Pistons are without Jalen Duren, who is out. He averaged 10.5 rebounds last season, and his expected return is Monday, November 9. Ausar Thompson, who averaged two steals, is questionable, as is Isaiah Joe. New York's Jose Alvarado is out, with an expected return of Wednesday, October 28.

Detroit has won its last three games, including a 106-93 win at Philadelphia. New York has lost its last three, the latest a 111-102 defeat to Orlando at home.

Sportsbooks' prices give the Knicks a 60% chance to win, while Keel's projection, built from the players available, gives Detroit 53%.