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Artest faces Pistons for first time since infamous brawl

Nov 8, 2006 - 4:08 PM Detroit (2-2) at Sacramento (2-2) 10:30 pm EST

SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) -- For the first time since being involved in an infamous brawl in Detroit, Ron Artest will face the Pistons on Wednesday when they visit the Kings.

On November 19, 2004, Artest entered the stands and began hitting a fan at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Several teammates joined him in the stands and also clashed with fans on the court. The incident resulted in nine players from both teams being suspended, including Artest, who was forced to sit out the remainder of the season.

The eight-year veteran was traded from the Indiana Pacers to Sacramento last season and did not play against the Pistons.

This season Artest is averaging 16.8 points and a team-best 8.8 rebounds. He had 22 points and eight boards in the Kings' 93-81 win over Minnesota Monday. Kevin Martin added 19 and five assists in a contest in which Sacramento never trailed.

The Kings learned Monday that their three-time All-Star center Brad Miller will miss at least a month while recovering from a torn muscle in his left foot.

The Pistons are coming off a 103-101 loss to the Utah Jazz on Monday. Rasheed Wallace finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds, but also got his fourth technical foul of the season. Richard Hamilton, who finished with 14, had a chance at a game-tying layup, but it was blocked by former Piston Mehmet Okur. It was the first of four straight road games for Detroit.

The Pistons have won three straight against the Kings after dropping 11 of the previous 12 matchups.

The Kings are at home for eight of their next 10 games.