Pistons try to get back on winning track versus Hawks

Detroit, which trails Cleveland for the top spot on the Central standings, has dropped five of its last seven games, including Wednesday’s 103-96 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Richard Hamilton had 23 points for Detroit, but was ejected late in the fourth quarter after picking up a pair of technicals. Tayshaun Prince tallied 19 points and Ronald Murray added 18 for the Pistons, who are 11-7 away from the Motor City this season.

Meanwhile, the Hawks have lost two in a row and 10 of their last 11 games. On Wednesday Atlanta dropped a 96-77 decision to the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets at Philips Arena.

Josh Childress scored 19 points for the Hawks, while Joe Johnson netted 13 points and Shelden Williams added 10 points and nine boards.

Atlanta’s Speedy Claxton suffered a sore left knee and Zaza Pachulia sprained his left ankle in the second quarter. Both failed to return. Marvin Williams also suffered a mildly sprained right ankle.

Williams is probable, and Claxton and Pachulia are expected to miss tonight’s contest.

The Pistons have won four straight and eight of the last nine meetings.

Detroit has won seven of nine and 10 of 13 at Atlanta.