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Red-hot Pistons set to host Nets

Dec 2, 2007 - 2:12 PM New Jersey (8-8) at Detroit (10-5), 6:00 pm EST

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan (Ticker) - The Detroit Pistons look to continue their hot play Sunday when they face the New Jersey Nets.

The Pistons coasted to a 117-91 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, marking he second consecutive game in which they have beaten their opponent by at least 25 points. Detroit beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 109-74, on Wednesday.

At the heart of their effectiveness is the Pistons' ability to protect the basketball, as they have committed 12 or fewer turnovers in six straight games and are holding opponents to a league-low 11.7 points off turnovers.

Detroit has also enjoyed a two straight games during which its field goal percentage has been above 50 percent.

The Nets also are playing well of late, having won four of their past five games to pull back to .500. They earned a hard-fought 94-92 overtime victory over the the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday behind 24 points from swingman Vince Carter, who is settling nicely into his new role as the team's sixth man.

Richard Jefferson is enjoying his best season for New Jersey, averaging a career-high 25.2 points and shooting nearly 39 percent from the arc.