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Knicks host hapless Pistons at MSG

Jan 31, 2012 - 3:37 PM (Sports Network) - A struggling New York team returns home to historic Madison Square Garden hoping to use the lowly Detroit Pistons as a tonic.

The high-profile Knicks are coming off a dismal 1-3 road trip capped by a 97-84 setback in Houston on Saturday. Amare Stoudemire scored a team-high 23 points to go with eight rebounds for New York in that one, while Tyson Chandler added 14 points and 11 boards as the Knicks lost for the ninth time in 10 games overall.

"The thing about this stretch right here is it's something you don't want to get used to," said Stoudemire. "Losing is definitely not something that we set out to do, it was a whole different game plan for us this season."

New York was without star Carmelo Anthony in South Texas for the second straight contest due to a litany of ailments. Anthony also missed Friday's 99-89 loss at the Heat while dealing with thumb, wrist and ankle issues. Despite that result, the Knicks were competitive in South Beach due to 18 made three-pointers. On Saturday, they cooled from beyond, and couldn't compete.

Anthony didn't practice again Monday, and coach Mike D'Antoni said he would probably be considered doubtful to play tonight. Meanwhile, point guard Baron Davis was also unable to practice and unlikely to make his New York debut.

Davis, who is still recovering from a herniated disk in his back, was expected back during the recent road trip, but D'Antoni now expects the veteran point guard to practice Wednesday and take it from there.

Detroit lost its fifth straight and fell to 0-2 on a four-game road trip on Monday, falling to Milwaukee 103-82. The Pistons had five players in double figures in what was the first of a three games in three nights stretch. Rodney Stuckey led the way with 19 points.

Greg Monroe had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds and Tayshaun Prince added 14 points and eight rebounds as Detroit also lost for the ninth time in 10 tries and fell to a dismal 1-10 on the road this season.

"They came out and hit some shots and made a run right after halftime," said Monroe. "We just have to stop those runs. We have to do a better job of bringing energy. In the first and third quarters, we have to be the one making those runs against other teams."

The Pistons continue to play without guards Ben Gordon (sore left shoulder) and Will Bynum (strained right foot), who are both listed as day-to-day.

The Knicks have won five of their past six against Detroit, including a 103-80 rout in Auburn Hills earlier this season.