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Pistons can record sixth straight 50-win season

Apr 9, 2007 - 2:17 PM Detroit (49-27) at New York (32-44) 7:30 pm EDT

NEW YORK (Ticker) -- The Detroit Pistons are closing in on another 50-win season. The New York Knicks are fading away from the playoff race.

The Pistons can reach 50 wins for a sixth straight season with a victory on Monday over the Knicks.

Detroit (49-27) is four games ahead of Chicago (46-32) and Cleveland (46-32) in the battle for the best record in the Eastern Conference.

Richard Hamilton scored 21 points and Antonio McDyess added 18 and 13 rebounds in the Pistons' 87-82 win over Cleveland on Sunday.

Detroit can clinch at last a tie for the conference crown with a win here.

Hamilton scored a career-high 51 points in the Pistons' triple overtime loss here to the Knicks on December 27.

Stephon Marbury led the Knicks with 41 points and Eddy Curry added 33.

New York (32-44) is three games behind Orlando (35-41) for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East with six games left.

The Knicks beat the Milwaukee Bucks, 118-113, in overtime on Saturday to keep their playoff hopes alive. Curry scored a career-high 43 points, including his first 3-pointer, which sent the contest to the extra period.

Nate Robinson also tied his career-best with 34 points. He started in place of Marbury, who was out with an injured toe.

Detroit has won seven of nine vs. New York, but has lost two straight here.