Road no friend to the Nets

A loss tonight would give the Nets their first eight-game road slide since January 19-March 2, 2001.

On Tuesday, the Nets were manhandled by the NBA-leading Detroit Pistons, who rolled past them, 85-71, at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Richard Jefferson scored 18 points for New Jersey, which has lost two of its last three games overall.

Vince Carter scored 13 points, while Jason Kidd and Nenad Krstic added 10 points apiece. Kidd also matched his season low of three assists.

Kidd is averaging 5.3 assists in his last four games, but has 21 assists in two games against the Bobcats this season.

Carter, who is averaging 28.0 points in four games against Charlotte, has become the frontrunner to start for the Eastern Conference in place of the injured Jermaine O’Neal. Detroit head coach Flip Saunders, who will guide the East stars admitted he was leaning in that direction following Tuesday’s tilt.

The Nets, who will visit Milwaukee out of the break, are 10-16 away from home this season.

New Jersey has split its two matchups with the Bobcats this season, but has won five of the six all-time matchups. The Nets are also a perfect 3-0 in Charlotte against the Bobcats.