Detroit's offense has kept moving through Cunningham even with a change at center. New York can answer through Brunson and Towns, especially inside. The contest turns on whether Detroit's second handler and outside finishers can keep supplying points after the Knicks' wing pressure, and whether New York can finish a close fourth quarter.
Cunningham draws help and finds Robinson or Collins, while Jenkins has already handled real minutes when the first route was crowded. Jenkins had 18 points and six assists at Philadelphia; Reed and Collins covered the interior after Duren's absence. Towns is a serious matchup for those bigs, with Brunson and Anunoby capable of supporting him, but New York's recent late possessions have stalled against Boston and Orlando. Robinson's movement and Collins' spacing give Detroit a way to answer when the Knicks protect the paint.
Duren is listed out after missing Detroit's last game. Thompson and Joe are questionable, and Jenkins, Reed and Collins formed part of the group that actually played Philadelphia; New York's Alvarado also missed its last game and is listed out. Detroit can start through Cunningham, reset through Jenkins when the pressure rises, and return to its outside outlets late. That's why I'm siding with Detroit to finish ahead.
