The Detroit Pistons, playing without Blake Griffin in a win-and-you're-in scenario for the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference, beat the New York Knicks 115-89 in their regular-season finale Wednesday night to secure a playoff berth.
The Pistons needed to either win or have the Charlotte Hornets lose to the Orlando Magic to clinch the playoff berth. The Magic won 122-114 to secure the seventh seed.
Griffin continues to be hampered by a sore left knee. He played just 18 minutes in the Pistons' 100-93 victory against Memphis on Tuesday night, scoring five points as he struggled with moving around the court before being sent to the bench for the entire fourth quarter.
Griffin has been the focal point of the Detroit offense, averaging 24.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game this season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
