The NBA playoff landscape intensifies as the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Clippers face must-win games against the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets, respectively. Ausar Thompson shined for the Pistons in their recent win, scoring 22 points, exceeding his previous three-game combined total. With a key prop line of 9.5 points for Thompson in Game 6, fantasy players should watch closely.

On the other hand, Nikola Jokic stands out with +100 odds for another triple-double, showcasing his continued dominance. Cade Cunningham, aiming to solidify his star status, faces a PRA line of 43.5; however, the model predicts a lower output at 37.2 due to the Knicks’ defensive prowess. Dennis Schroder's recent scoring trend also makes him a target with an over/under of 9.5, while Christian Braun's consistent scoring raises attention as he looks to go over 10.5 points.

Jalen Brunson was forced to leave the playoff matchup between the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons with a leg injury, but made a swift return. Late in the third quarter, while trying to advance the ball, he collided with Dennis Schroder, leading to a brief exit from the game. Initially, Brunson struggled to put weight on his right leg and headed to the locker room. However, he was back on the bench during the fourth quarter, showing no visible signs of distress. After only two minutes into the final quarter, he re-entered the game and quickly contributed with a basket, indicating that his injury was not as severe as it initially appeared.

The Brooklyn Nets concluded their season with a home game against the New York Knicks, while the Knicks prepared for their playoff run against the Detroit Pistons. In a nail-biting Game 3, former Nets player Dennis Schroder led the Pistons but fell short in a 118-116 loss against New York. Schroder contributed 18 points and five rebounds off the bench as the Pistons mounted a comeback from a 14-point deficit. The Pistons displayed balanced scoring but struggled defensively against the Knicks' potent offense, where Karl-Anthony Towns shone with 31 points. This loss puts the Knicks ahead 2-1 in the series, with Game 4 set for Sunday.

The New York Knicks faced off against the Detroit Pistons in a riveting playoff matchup that showcased notable performances from key players on both sides. The first half saw the Knicks surge ahead, particularly with OG Anunoby's versatile play, contributing 18 points. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns added 17 points and Jalen Brunson chipped in 13. On the Pistons’ side, Tim Hardaway Jr. led the scoring with 18 points, while Cade Cunningham and Dennis Schroder each scored 13. As the game progressed, Detroit’s defense struggled with turnovers, giving New York an edge in offensive opportunities.

After a strong first quarter, the Knicks held a narrow lead, but the Pistons found their rhythm and managed to tie the game. Even with a shaky start, Detroit's Cunningham eventually found his footing, leading to his team's first playoff victory in 17 years against the Knicks. The Pistons capitalized on the Knicks’ turnovers and executed key plays to maintain their advantage, while the Knicks will need to make adjustments heading into the next game.

The Detroit Pistons achieved a pivotal milestone by winning their first playoff game in 17 years, overcoming the New York Knicks 100-94. Dennis Schroder played a critical role, scoring 20 points including a decisive 3-pointer with just 55 seconds left. This victory not only evened their series at 1-1 but also marked the end of a 15-game playoff losing streak, the longest in NBA history. As a recent midseason acquisition, Schroder’s contributions have been essential, especially as he provides depth behind Cade Cunningham.

This win brings renewed hope to the Pistons, who now shift the series back to Michigan for Game 3, aiming to capitalize on their home court advantage. Detroit's last playoff win was back in 2008 against the Boston Celtics, underscoring the significance of this moment for the franchise. Despite being underdogs, the Pistons demonstrated resilience against a Knicks team that previously staged a comeback in Game 1.