Hawks 99 - 95 Pistons
Final
  for this game

Struggling Pistons hope to hold off Hawks

Feb 11, 2009 - 11:33 AM Atlanta (30-21) at Detroit (27-23) 7:30 p.m. EST

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan (Ticker) -- It has been a long time since the Detroit Pistons were looking up at the Atlanta Hawks in the standings at the All-Star break.

The Pistons will look to save some face with a win when the teams square off on Wednesday.

Detroit has enjoyed a spot at the top of the Eastern Conference for the better part of the last decade while the Hawks have struggled through one rebuilding plan after another. An aging roster for the Pistons and a solid core in Atlanta has shifted the balance.

Known for its defense throughout the last several years, Detroit has seen itself slip recently, allowing over 111 points over the past three games.

The Pistons were outscored, 17-2, over the last 3:33 of the game on Tuesday, squandering a lead and falling to the Chicago Bulls, 107-102. Instead of being sharp and closing the contest out, Rasheed Wallace rushed a 3-point attempt with under a minute left and Richard Hamilton committed a turnover on their last possession.

Meanwhile, Atlanta has won three of four and is coming off a strong performance in a 111-90 victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday. Joe Johnson scored 22 points and eight assists as seven players reached double figures.

The Hawks are beginning a six-game road trip at Detroit, though the remaining five contests are all on the West Coast after the All-Star break.






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