Pistons host James, Cavaliers

This is the second meeting of the season between the squads. On November 24, the Cavaliers defeated the Pistons, 92-76, at Gund Arena. Overall, the home team gas won four of six and 15 of the last 22 contests in this series. Cleveland has won three of its last four games against the Pistons. The Cavaliers have lost nine of 11 and 10 of their last 13 at Detroit.

On Wednesday, Chauncey Billups hit a pair of free throws with 2.6 seconds remaining to lift the Pistons to a 94-93 come-from-behind win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Richard Hamilton had a game-high 29 points in Wednesday’s win for Detroit, which rallied from a 16-point halftime deficit to end a two-game losing streak. Billups finished with 15 points and seven rebounds, as the Pistons got a total of 53 points from their guards.

The Pistons are 6-2 as the host this season. Detroit will also host the Portland Trail Blazers and Chicago Bulls on the current homestand.

The Cavaliers come into tonight’s contest having won two in a row and five of their last seven overall. On Wednesday, James posted game-highs with 25 points and 11 rebounds to go along with seven assists to lead Cleveland over the Portland Trail Blazers, 112-88, at Gund Arena.

Jeff McInnis netted 18 points and nine helpers for the Cavaliers, who have won back-to-back games on the heels of a two-game skid. Cleveland, which also received a season-high 18 points from Ira Newble, is an impressive 9-1 as the host this season.

James has scored more than 20 points in three straight games. He is averaging 26.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists in that span.

The Cavaliers are 5-7 on the road this season. Cleveland has lost four of its last six as the visitor.