Pistons try to remain perfect on road trip vs. Portland

The Pistons lead the Cleveland Cavaliers by two games for the lead in the Central Division and the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

Detroit enters tonight’s contest on a three-game winning streak. Ray Allen’s baseline jumper for a tie in the closing seconds hit the back rim, and Richard Hamilton followed by sinking two free throws to seal Detroit’s 101-97 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics on Tuesday at KeyArena.

Chris Webber led all five Detroit starters in double figures with 24 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Tayshaun Prince ended with 18 points and Rasheed Wallace netted 15 for the Pistons. Chauncey Billups scored 14 points and Hamilton added 10 in the victory.

The Pistons are 21-10 on the road this season. They will visit the Phoenix Suns on Friday at US Airways Center.

Portland tries to bounce back from a tough loss. On Tuesday, Allen Iverson poured in 31 points, pulled down six rebounds and dished out 10 assists, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 107-99 victory over the Trail Blazers at the Pepsi Center.

Zach Randolph tallied 26 points and rookie LaMarcus Aldridge ended with 24 points and 17 boards for the Blazers, who lost for the third time in four contests overall. Rookie Brandon Roy had 16 points before fouling out, and Jarrett Jack contributed 13 points and nine assists in defeat.

The Trail Blazers are 15-17 at home this season. They are scheduled to visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday at the Staples Center.

This is the second and final meeting of the campaign between the clubs. On December 5th, Zach Randolph drained a go-ahead short bank shot over Tayshaun Prince with 21 ticks left as Portland stunned Detroit, 88-85, at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Detroit has won three straight after losing its last three at Portland.