Red-hot Nets visit streaking Pistons

(Basketball News) - The New Jersey Nets try to extend their seven-game winning streak tonight when they visit the powerhouse Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

The Nets, who are seeded No. 3 in the Eastern Conference, made it seven in a row with Thursday’s 86-82 win over Minnesota. Vince Carter had 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists to lead the Nets at Continental Airlines Arena.

Richard Jefferson had 21 points and eight rebounds and Jason Kidd added 17 points, nine helpers and six rebounds for the Nets, who hold a 7 1/2-game lead over Philadelphia in the Atlantic Division.

New Jersey, which won 10 straight this season from December 16 - January 8, hits the road where it has won three straight and owns a 16-19 mark.

Meanwhile, the Pistons have won four in a row, including Friday’s 75-72 close win over the Indiana Pacers at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Richard Hamilton scored 15 points, while Tayshaun Prince and Antonio McDyess each added 11 points to help the Pistons to their fourth consecutive win and sixth in seven tries.

Detroit, the top seed in the Eastern Conference, has won an impressive 16 consecutive games at The Palace. The last time the Pistons lost at home was a 94-90 overtime setback to the Utah Jazz.

The Pistons are a sickening 30-2 at home in 2005-06.

Sunday’s game is the third and final meeting of the season between New Jersey and Detroit. Both teams split both meetings so far this season.

Detroit has won five of the last seven meetings with the Nets, who have lost four of five and 18 of their last 20 at Detroit.