Detroit at New York

New York made a nice run after the Denver fight, winning three in a row, two of which required OT. But they fell back to their old selves in a blowout loss to lowly Philadelphia. Detroit, which got off to a sluggish start at 3-5, has gotten back on track and is the hottest team in the NBA this side of the Phoenix Suns. It is basic Piston basketball that has gotten it done. The first 17 games the defensive effort, we have grown accustomed to from the Pistons was just not there. They allowed 10 of 17 opponents to reach 95 points. That defense has disappeared for the one we remember so well. The last nine games, just one opponent has reached 95 points vs. the Pistons. This undisciplined Knicks team is going to be in over their head vs a defensive, tough Piston team. The Knicks have more double digit losses (10) than the Pistons do losses (8). We look for the Pistons to make that 11 tonight.