A.I. leads Nuggets into Motor City

The Nuggets have not defeated the Pistons in Detroit since a 99-88 victory on March 10, 1995.

Overall, Detroit has won three of the last four matchups in the series, including a 95-82 road win on March 9, and 10 of the last 12. This is the final meeting between the clubs this season.

Denver concludes a five-game road swing tonight. The club won the opener of the trek in New Jersey, but then dropped the next two games before besting Cleveland, 105-93, on Sunday.

Carmelo Anthony out dueled Cleveland’s LeBron James, netting 27 points to James’ 18. Nene posted 21 points and nine rebounds, while Allen Iverson chipped in with 18 points and 12 assists.

The win improved Denver to 16-16 on the road this season. The Nuggets next return home to host Seattle on Wednesday.

Denver is second in the Northwest Division, 9 1/2 games behind Utah. The Nuggets are seventh overall in the West.

The short-handed Pistons snapped a two-game losing streak yesterday with a 121-95 win over Milwaukee. Detroit was playing without Rasheed Wallace, who missed the game due to one-game suspension received for getting his 18th technical foul on Friday.

Also, Richard Hamilton missed the game due to flu-like symptoms, while Chris Webber was limited in minutes due to illness as well.

Tayshaun Prince picked up the scoring slack with 28 points. Antonio McDyess scored 20 points, including 13 in the second frame after Webber went to the locker room, and Jason Maxiell, who started for Wallace, finished with career highs in points (19) and rebounds (15).

Flip Murray started in place of Hamilton and scored 16 points as Detroit finished a three-game road trip 1-2. Hamilton is probable for tonight.

The Pistons lead the Cavs by 2 1/2 games for both the lead in the Central Division and Eastern Conference. The team is 20-13 at home on the year and will be in Chicago on Thursday.