Detroit Pistons Team Report - April 8

(Basketball News) - The Pistons continue on their road to the postseason this evening, when they take on the Orlando Magic at TD Waterhouse Centre.

Detroit has won four straight and five of its last six contests, including a 105-93 win over the Washington Wizards at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Wednesday. The Pistons have sliced their magic number for winning the Central Division to just three.

Ben Wallace scored 21 points and grabbed 18 rebounds to lead the Pistons past the Wizards. The talented center is second in the league in rebounding average (12.1 rpg) and fifth in blocked shots per game (2.44).

Chauncey Billups netted 19 points and dished out seven assists for the Pistons, who have won 10 of their last 14 contests. Antonio McDyess also tallied 19 points and Tayshaun Prince had 17 and 10 rebounds in the win. Richard Hamilton registered 12 points and nine assists, while Rasheed Wallace tacked on 11 points and eight boards.

Detroit shot 48.8 percent from the field, including 9-of-21 (.429) from three- point range. The Pistons hit 16-of-21 (.762) from the free throw line, while dominating the Wizards, 47-31, on the glass.

The Pistons, who are beginning a three-game road trip tonight, are 18-18 in foreign buildings this season. Detroit has split its last four road tilts.

The teams have split a pair of meetings this season with the home team winning both games. Detroit has won six of the last eight meetings overall. These two teams have split the last 10 meetings at Orlando.

Following tonight’s game, Detroit will have a day off before facing Miami on the road Sunday. The Pistons will then conclude their three-game road trip in Chicago on Monday.