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Raptors entertain Pistons at ACC

Jan 14, 2011 - 3:58 PM (Sports Network) - The Detroit Pistons will try and stop a five-game road losing streak when they invade Air Canada Centre tonight to take on the Toronto Raptors.

Detroit is just 3-17 away from The Palace in 2010-11 and is coming off its second straight loss, a 107-99 setback at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday in Auburn Hills. Zach Randolph dominated the Pistons with 34 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Grizz.

Ben Gordon posted 25 points, rookie center Greg Monroe added 14 points and 11 boards and Rodney Stuckey contributed 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the Pistons, who have lost seven of nine overall.

"Got to keep the same focus for 48 minutes," Monroe said. "I have lapses sometimes during games. [As] a team we have to keep the energy and focus throughout the whole game, especially coming out in the second half."

The Pistons were outscored 30-18 in the third quarter. Guard Richard Hamilton did not play in the game and is currently rumored to be involved in a blockbuster deal possibly involving Denver Nuggets stars Carmelo Anthony and former teammate Chauncey Billups. Hamilton, a former first-round pick, hasn't started since Dec. 17 against the LA Clippers.

Meanwhile, the Raptors will close out a three-game homestand tonight and are 1-1 on the residency. After opening the homestand with a win over Sacramento, the Raptors suffered a 104-101 loss versus Atlanta on Wednesday despite getting 26 points apiece from Leandro Barbosa and Andrea Bargnani.

Jose Calderon was the only other Raptor in double figures with 11 points and nine assists, while Amir Johnson notched nine for Toronto, which lost for the eighth time in 11 attempts. The Raptors outscored Atlanta, 60-38, in the paint and have posted 60 points in the paint in three of their last four games.

"It's sad, we worked really hard," Barbosa said after the Raptors blew a fourth-quarter lead. "It's going to be tough for all of us to sleep, knowing that we had the game and that we did a good job."

After tonight's game the Raptors will embark on a five-game journey through Washington, New Orleans, San Antonio, Orlando and Miami. They are 8-11 at home as opposed to their 5-14 ledger as the guest. Bargnani is averaging 24.2 points and 6.0 rebounds in the past five games.

Toronto guard Jerryd Bayless (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game, while Johnson is listed as probable with a balky back.

The 2010-11 series between Detroit and Toronto is tied at a game apiece, with each team prevailing as the guest. The Raptors won all four meetings last season.