Pistons host struggling Knicks

The Knicks continued their early-season struggle, as they were dealt a 104-83 shellacking by the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden.

The setback dropped the Knicks to 3-8 on the season.

Frank Williams came off the bench and netted a career-high 14 points for New York, which has lost five of its last six contests. Shandon Anderson and Howard Eisley each scored 13 for New York, which never led against the Lakers.

Against the Lakers, New York went to the line only six times and made all six of their attempts.

Knicks’ forward Keith Van Horn, who did not play against the Lakers, is doubtful for tonight’s contest with a sprained ankle.

The Knicks are 1-4 on the road this season.

Detroit won its third straight game on Wednesday night, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies, 99-92, at the Pyramid.

Chauncey Billups scored 20 of his game-high 33 points in the second half to help the Pistons continue their dominance of the Grizzlies. Detroit has now defeated the Grizzlies in all five contests since they moved from Vancouver to Memphis before the 2001-02 season.

Tayshaun Prince added 16 points and Richard Hamilton 15, as the Pistons have won three straight following a three-game skid.

Detroit is 4-1 at home.

In 2002-03, the teams split four contests as each club won twice on its homecourt.

Overall, New York has won tow of the last three contests between the two squads, while Detroit has won five of eight and six of the last 10 meetings.

New York leads the all-time series, 146-114.