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Surging Pistons hope to keep rolling vs. fading Warriors

Mar 5, 2007 - 4:04 PM Golden State (26-35) at Detroit (37-20) 7:30 pm EST

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan (Ticker) -- While the Detroit Pistons appear to be the class of the Eastern Conference once again, the Golden State Warriors seem to be fading at the worst possible time.

The red-hot Pistons hope to keep rolling Monday when they host the Warriors in an interconference matchup.

Detroit has won 12 of its last 14 contests and owns a commanding four-game lead over Cleveland (34-25) for first place in the conference.

The Pistons pulled out a close win Saturday over Memphis, 92-89, thanks to a stellar performance from All-Star guard Chauncey Billups, who had 19 points and nine assists.

Golden State is struggling of late, losing six straight games without the services of top scorers Baron Davis (knee) and Stephen Jackson (toe).

The Warriors trail Denver (28-29) by four games for the final Western Conference playoff spot.

Golden State lost a wild 107-106 decision Saturday at Washington. Warriors coach Don Nelson was whistled for a technical foul in the last second, allowing Gilbert Arenas to sink three free throws with less than a second left.

The Warriors posted one of their most impressive wins of the campaign in their previous meeting with Detroit, cruising to a 111-79 win in Golden State on November 11.