Thu Mar 27 11:01:19 2008

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Pistons try to win Central crown versus Heat

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(Sports Network) - The Detroit Pistons will open a two-game homestand this evening, when they welcome the Miami Heat to The Palace of Auburn Hills.

A victory tonight for the Pistons would give them their fourth straight Central Division crown. They have captured five division titles in the last six years.

Detroit will also host LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on the homestand, and owns a 28-6 record in Motown this season. The Pistons have been struggling, though, with three losses over their last four games, including Wednesday's 89-82 setback to Toronto at the Air Canada Centre.

Chauncey Billups had 24 points and nine assists, while Rodney Stuckey scored a career-high 16 points for the Pistons, who are seeded No. 2 in the Eastern Conference standings. Rasheed Wallace added 15 points and Tayshaun Prince finished with 10 points and eight boards, as Detroit played without leading scorer Richard Hamilton for the second straight game because of a sore left hip. Hamilton is doubtful for Thursday's game.

Meanwhile, the Heat will resume a four-game road trip on Thursday, and are 6-29 away from South Beach this season.

In the opener of the trek on Wednesday at New York, Ricky Davis scored 28 points and added nine boards and six assists in a 103-96 overtime loss. Daequan Cook poured in 21 points, while Kasib Powell notched 14 off the bench for Miami, which will also visit Boston and Indiana on the current trip.

On the injury front for the worst team in the NBA at 13-58, forward Shawn Marion (back spasms) is expected to miss Thursday's game against Detroit. Cook is listed as questionable because of a mild concussion/bruised jaw.

The Heat and Pistons are playing the third of four matchups this season. Detroit is scheduled to visit Miami on April 6 at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Detroit is 2-0 so far in the season series and has won three straight, six of seven and 14 of the last 17 meetings.

Miami has lost four straight and nine of its last 10 at Detroit.