Pistons at Knicks
THE STORY: With the New York Knicks spiraling out of contention, the natives are getting restless, which in New York equates to demanding the head of the coach. Three consecutive losses and a 1-9 record in the last 10 games have ramped up the speculation about Mike D'Antoni's future, to the point that star forward Carmelo Anthony came out and defended his coach Monday. “Anytime teams are losing, that's the first thing that comes to mind, the coach,” Anthony said. “We support Mike 100 percent. He's here with us, we're here with him, and we're going to roll with that.” A healthy Anthony could go a long way to solving some of New York's woes. Anthony has sat out the past two games with injuries to his wrist, ankle and thumb. The ankle is the biggest issue for Anthony, who said he hopes to play Tuesday when the Knicks host the lowly Detroit Pistons.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, MSG (New York)
ABOUT THE PISTONS (4-18): If misery loves company, Detroit is the perfect opponent for New York. The Pistons absorbed their fifth consecutive defeat in a 103-82 loss at Milwaukee. Detroit fell into a big early hole against the Bucks and dipped to 1-9 on the road this season. The lowest-scoring team in the league, the Pistons have reached 100 points only once in their first 22 games. Greg Monroe had his fourth straight double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
ABOUT THE KNICKS (7-13): New York has failed to crack 90 points during the three-game skid. During Anthony's absence, the Knicks have utilized a feast-or-famine attack consisting mainly of heaving up 3-pointers – a staggering 69 in the past two games. Bill Walker hit seven long-range shots and scored 21 points against Miami on Friday, but was 1 of 7 from behind the arc and managed only five points the following night in Houston. Tyson Chandler is averaging 12.6 rebounds in his last eight games.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Of New York’s five wins this month, four have come against Charlotte (3-18, twice), Washington (4-17) and Detroit (4-18).
2. The Knicks have won five of the last six meetings against the Pistons, including a 103-80 drubbing in Detroit on Jan. 7.