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Pistons aim to bounce back against Duncan, Spurs

Mar 23, 2007 - 3:14 PM Detroit (43-23) at San Antonio (47-20) 8:00 pm EDT

SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) -- The Detroit Pistons looked listless in a loss to the Houston Rockets. They will be hard-pressed to bounce back against another power from the Lone Star State.

The Pistons aim to rebound from their tough loss when they visit the San Antonio Spurs in an interconference clash on Friday.

Detroit registered its first road defeat against a Western Conference opponent in six games, dropping a 91-85 decision Thursday at Houston.

The setback marked the return of Pistons All-Star guard Chauncey Billups, who had been sidelined two games with a strained left groin.

Detroit will look to build on its 2 1/2-game advantage over the Cleveland Cavaliers (41-27) for first place in the Central Division with 15 contests remaining.

The Spurs ended their two-game skid Wednesday with a 90-72 triumph over the struggling Indiana Pacers. All-Star Tim Duncan led the way with 27 points.

Despite owning an impressive 29-9 home record this season, San Antonio has lost two straight to Detroit here. The Spurs posted a 90-81 victory in Detroit on February 14, the only previous meeting this season between the clubs.