Atkins returns to Detroit’s lineup

Atkins played 13 minutes and scored three points for Detroit, which has lost two in a row after a four-game win streak. Pistons head coach Larry Brown suffered his second loss to his former team this year. The Sixers won on November 26 at the Wachovia Center.

Brown coached the Sixers for six seasons before resigning after the 2002-03 campaign. He then accepted the job in Detroit a week later.

Meanwhile, backup center Zeljko Rebraca was activated from the injured list before the game against the 76ers. Rebraca did not play in the loss.

In related moves, the Pistons placed Hubert Davis and Darvin Ham on the injured list with a sprained left thumb and sprained right wrist, respectively.

Philadelphia was victorious without NBA-leading scorer Allen Iverson. The Georgetown product is hampered with a swollen knee.