Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks 2019-20 season preview

Pistons O vs. Knicks D

It should be to nobody’s surprise that the Knicks were one of the league’s worst teams defensively while sporting a 17-65 record. They were bottom five in second chance points allowed and bottom 10 in points in the paint.

The Knicks addressed this by adding veteran depth in the frontcourt, which should play a factor against Griffin. But they still don’t have anybody who can match Drummond’s size and strength patrolling the paint, which should give the Pistons a huge lift and a go-to matchup.

Detroit thrived from 3-point range in last year’s season series and the same should be true this season. The Knicks allowed opponents to shoot 36.3 percent from 3-point range, seventh worst in the league, and didn’t do much to address the defensive end on the wing. That should open up opportunities for Kennard, Jackson, Mykhailiuk, Tony Snell and the Pistons 3-point threats.

Deploying a plethora of point guards, it’s a good thing Detroit added depth to that position by signing Tim Frazier, who should get some run to match what the Knicks have to offer. It may force Dwane Casey’s hand to play two-point guard lineups throughout to matchup, which would mean Frazier would need to spell Jackson and Derrick Rose, at times.

New York has plenty of frontcourt depth to throw at Griffin, which means he will have to work hard to earn his keep. But he isn’t a Top 20 player for nothing. His strength and ability to do so much offensively will be on display but his endurance will be tested.