Knicks by a whisker

The Pistons are for real

David Thorpe previews the most interesting series of the first round: Bucks or Pacers? Clippers or Nuggets?

BY DAVID THORPE

The Knicks have a hard time beating good teams, and containing Cade Cunningham. DUSTIN SATLOFF/GETTING IMAGES

On paper, this three vs. six matchup seems a bit lopsided. Detroit has not been a relevant team in forever, while the Knicks entered the season thinking about 55+ wins and a shot at the title.

Given that the postseason heavily favors experience over the course of a series, the Knicks look like the obvious choice.

But this one’s going to be a nail-biter.

The Knicks struggled to beat good teams late in the season. As in, they won one of their final 10 games against tough competition. One of those nine losses was to the Pistons. Yes, Jalen Brunson missed a month of games, March 6 until April 6. He’s won just one game total since returning, against the less-than-tough Phoenix Suns. Throw in an OT loss to Boston, plus losses to the Cavs, Lakers, and Warriors (the la…