Detroit Pistons Team Report - March 28

(Basketball News) - The hard-nosed Pistons will try to prove their up to the task against the Western Conference this evening, when they host the Dallas Mavericks at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

Detroit registered a 101-85 beating of the Mavericks at AmericanAirlines Center on Dec. 6. The Mavericks have won four of seven and seven of the last 11 meetings in this set. Dallas has won three of its last five trips to Auburn Hills.

Detroit got back on the winning track on Saturday night, posting a 105-99 overtime victory over the Boston Celtics at the Palace. Rasheed Wallace finished with 31 points and 11 rebounds and hit a big three-pointer in overtime to help the Pistons to the win.

Richard Hamilton collected 22 points, eight rebounds and eight assists for the Pistons, who ended a three-game losing streak and won for the seventh time in 11 games. Chauncey Billups netted 20 points in the win and Tayshaun Prince chipped in 17.

Detroit’s Ben Wallace tied a season high with six blocks, while grabbing nine rebounds and scoring seven points.

The Pistons shot 42.9 percent from the field, including 4-of-18 (.222) from three-point range. Detroit hit 29-of-37 (.784) from the free throw line and outrebounded the Celtics, 47-43.

Detroit, which has won 13 of 14 and 17 of its last 19 home games, is in the midst of a five-contest homestand. The Pistons are 26-8 within their friendly confines.

The Pistons are comfortably locked in the second seed in the East, 5 1/2 games ahead of third seed Boston and Central Division competitor Chicago. Detroit resides nine tilts behind the East-leading Miami Heat.

Following tonight’s game, the Pistons will have a day to rest before hosting the Sacramento Kings. Detroit will play the Los Angeles Clippers at home on Friday and then will hit the road to battle the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.