For Jerry Stackhouse's sake, the Pistons' three-day break before Thursday's game against New York came at a good time.

Although the Pistons are 3-1 without Stackhouse in the lineup, coach Rick Carlisle said before Sunday's 105-77 whipping of Houston, "We're a much better team with him, and you never want to be without your best player."

Stackhouse has been slowed by a strained groin since a Nov. 21 loss at Philadelphia. By sitting out Sunday's game and then having three more days off before playing the Knicks, Stackhouse hoped he would be healthy by the time the team ventures to the West Coast for a five-game, seven-day set against some of the best in the Western Conference.

"I think he might have come back a little too early," said forward Michael Curry. "I'd rather have him back at 100 percent healthy before he plays."