Wallace Is Expected Back for the Playoffs

After securing the top seeding in the Eastern Conference without Ben Wallace, the Detroit Pistons expect to have their rebounding star back for Game 1 of the playoffs this weekend.

Wallace has missed five games because of a sprained ligament in his left knee, suffered in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs on April 6 when teammate Tayshaun Prince fell into his knee.

The Pistons, though, recovered from a 17-point rout at Philadelphia in the first game without Wallace to win three of four.

“Ben will be ready for Game 1,” Piston President Joe Dumars told ESPN.com.

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New York Knick Coach Don Chaney, 56, agreed to a two-year contract extension through the 2005-06 season. The extension could be worth between $4 million and $4.5 million, the Daily News reported.

Chaney’s record is 57-88 since taking over the Knicks following Jeff Van Gundy’s abrupt resignation early in the 2001-2002 season.

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Seattle SuperSonic forward Rashard Lewis was suspended for the final game of the season by the NBA for “throwing objects at a game official” after getting ejected from Monday night’s game in Dallas.

After being ejected in the third quarter, Lewis threw his mouthpiece across the court in the general direction of a referee.

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Indiana center Brad Miller and guard Erick Strickland missed the last two games of the Pacers’ season because of foot problems, but expect to be ready for the playoffs this weekend.

From Times Wire Services