Pistons visit Central Division-rival Milwaukee

Detroit had its seven-game winning streak halted with last Wednesday’s 90-81 setback to the San Antonio Spurs in the finale of a five-game homestand. Richard Hamilton scored 20 points and Chauncey Billups posted 19 with seven rebounds and six assists for the Pistons, who went 4-1 on the homestand.

Chris Webber finished with 14 points, Rasheed Wallace had 13 and Lindsey Hunger contributed 11 points in defeat.

The Pistons will now work on their 15-9 road record this season.

In Sunday’s All-Star Game, Hamilton had eight points and six rebounds, while Billups added eight points and six assists in a losing effort for the East. Hamilton is probable for Tuesday’s game with a sprained right ring finger.

Milwaukee, meanwhile, is still struggling and dropped its fourth straight game after last Wednesday’s 117-97 loss against the Boston Celtics at TD Banknorth Garden. Boston finally ended its franchise-worst 18-game losing streak.

Mo Williams scored 31 points, Charlie Bell had 24 and Brian Skinner scored 13 points with 11 rebounds for Milwaukee, which is last in the Central standings and 11-11 at the Bradley Center this season.

The Bucks have dropped 14 of the last 16 overall contests. On the injury front, Milwaukee forward Charlie Villanueva (ankle) and guard Michael Redd (knee) are expected to return sometime this week. Both are questionable for Tuesday’s game. Milwaukee is just 3-17 without Redd in the lineup.

Tuesday’s showdown at the Bradley Center is the third of four matchups this season between Detroit and Milwaukee. Both squads have one win apiece in the series, while Detroit has won eight of 12 and nine of the last 14 meetings. The Bucks and Pistons will meet again on March 25 at the Bradley Center.

Detroit has lost three of four and six of its last eight trips to Milwaukee.