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Pistons face Bucks as Iverson controversy stirs

Nov 28, 2008 - 11:24 AM Milwaukee (7-10) at Detroit (9-5), 8:00 pm EST

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan (Ticker) -- After a pair of disappointing defeats, the Detroit Pistons bounced back in a big way.

Detroit hopes to build on that momentum and overcome an incident with Allen Iverson when it hosts the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday.

The Pistons lost, 98-80, at Boston and then were humiliated at home, 106-80, against the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday.

But Richard Hamilton led eight players in double figures Wednesday as the Pistons posted a 110-96 triumph over the New York Knicks. Detroit got 49 points from its bench.

Iverson on Thursday made headlines after skipping the Pistons' practice on Thanksgiving morning, less than 24 hours after grumbling of coach Michael Curry's decision to hold the workout.

Curry said that Iverson will face a "hefty fine" and will be held out of the starting lineup for the game against Milwaukee.

"I'm surprised when guys are late; I'm surprised when they don't show," Curry told the Detroit Free-Press. "It's a pretty hefty fine to be late, or to miss. And once again, it's accountability for yourself and your teammates."

Curry did not disclose whether Iverson would play against Milwaukee, which have dropped two straight contests and are looking to end a four-game road trip on a good note.

Richard Jefferson scored 25 points for the second straight contest in Milwaukee's 102-96 setback to Atlanta on Wednesday. It was the Bucks' first game without center Andrew Bogut, who will be out at least one week with a left knee injury.

Detroit has won 11 of the past 14 meetings with Milwaukee, including six of seven.