Knicks welcome Lakers to MSG

The Lakers had a three-game win streak snapped Tuesday night with a 106-96 loss to the Detroit Pistons at the Palace.

Shaquille O’Neal scored 20 points to go along with a team-high 10 rebounds and Karl Malone had 20 points and five boards. Kobe Bryant had 19 points, but shot just 4-of-14 from the floor, as the LA lost its third consecutive road game.

Chauncey Billups poured in a game-high 24 points with eight assists for the Pistons, who avenged a 94-89 loss to the Lakers on Friday at the Staples Center.

New York halted a four-game skid Monday with an 89-86 win over the Boston Celtics.

Michael Doleac, who posted eight points and nine rebounds off the bench, hit a jumper and two free throws in the final minute to help the Knicks overcome an 86-85 deficit.

Allan Houston added 26 points and Keith Van Horn contributed 21 points and seven rebounds for New York, which outscored the Celtics 51-32 in the second half. Kurt Thomas added 12 points and 17 rebounds, including 10 offensive boards.

The Lakers have won six of the last nine meetings with New York, including two straight at MSG. However, all three of LA’s losses this season have come on the road, where they have a 3-3 record.

Los Angeles is 4-2 against the Eastern Conference this season.

The teams split the season series last season with each team winning on the other’s home court.

The Knicks won the last game in the series, a 117-110 win in Los Angeles on February 16, behind a career-high 53 points by Houston.