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Pistons hope to have Billups for start for road trip

Mar 22, 2007 - 4:40 PM Detroit (43-23) at Houston (43-25) 8:30 pm EDT

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The Detroit Pistons hope to have floor leader Chauncey Billups back for the beginning of a road trip.

Billups has missed the last two games with a groin injury and his status is uncertain for Thursday's game against the Houston Rockets. The All-Star point guard has missed 10 games this season, and the Pistons are 4-6 in his absence.

Detroit has won the last six meetings from the Rockets.

The Pistons fell to Western Conference leader Dallas, 92-88, on Sunday, but rebounded with a 96-75 victory over Philadelphia as Tayshaun Prince scored 30 points.

The Rockets have won four in a row and seven of nine since the return of All-Star center Yao Ming. Yao played 38 minutes - his highest total since his return - and scored 32 points in Tuesday's 86-76 win over Indiana. He has posted double-doubles in the last three games.

The Rockets sit just 1 1/2 games behind Utah (44-23) for the fourth best record in the West.

Detroit beat the Rockets, 104-92, on November 18. Richard Hamilton scored 30 points to lead the Pistons. Yao had 33 points and 16 rebounds from Yao.