Pistons try to avoid third straight loss vs. Clippers

The Pistons’ recent struggles continued on Tuesday, as they were stunned the abysmal Atlanta Hawks, 99-98, at Philips Arena.

Tayshaun Prince scored 29 points, Chauncey Billups netted 20 points and dished out seven assists and Richard Hamilton added 16 points in the loss. However, Rasheed Wallace was held to seven points on 3-of-14 shooting for the Pistons, who fell to Indiana, 93-85, on Saturday.

Detroit, which was denied its NBA-leading 40th win (39-8) of the year, last lost three in a row from March 22-25 of last season.

The Pistons, who will begin a brief two-game road trip in Orlando on Friday, are an amazing 21-2 in their arena this season with their last loss there coming back on January 7 against Utah.

Los Angeles, meanwhile, comes in on a winning note after Sam Cassell drained two huge three-pointers down the stretch to lead the Clippers to an 85-82 win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden.

Elton Brand had a game-high 25 points and 12 rebounds for the Clippers, who won their fourth consecutive outing and moved 12 games over .500 (29-17) for the first time since the franchise moved to California.

Chris Kaman also had a double-double with 22 points and 11 boards. Cuttino Mobley added 10 points, as the Clippers won for the ninth time in 10 games.

The Clippers are just one game behind the 1974-75 Buffalo Braves for the best record in franchise history through 46 games. That team finished a franchise- best 49-33.

Los Angeles, which will start a three-game homestand after tonight’s affair, is 13-10 away from home this season.

The Pistons defeated the Clips earlier in the season and has won six straight and seven of the last eight meetings. LA has also dropped four straight and 11 of its last 12 in the Motor City.