Knicks hoping for lift-off in crucial clash with Rockets

The New York Knicks missed their last chance to make a statement against the National Basketball Association (NBA) Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons on Feb 19.

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Cade Cunningham (left) leading the Detroit Pistons to a 126-111 NBA win over Jalen Brunson's New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Feb 19.

(PHOTO: AFP)

But the Knicks will not have to wait long to get another opportunity against potential NBA title contenders on Feb 21 (Feb 22, Singapore time), when they host the Houston Rockets in the first clash of the season between the teams.

Both teams were off on Feb 20 after returning from the All-Star break on Feb 19, when the hosts Knicks fell to the Pistons 126-111 and the visiting Rockets edged out the Charlotte Hornets 105-101.

The loss was just the third in the last 13 games for the Knicks. But it also continued a troubling season-long trend for New York, who were swept by the Pistons while being outscored 365-281 in the three games.

The Knicks are in fourth place in the East, where the Pistons are topping the table.