National Basketball Association
Detroit Pistons (15-14) at Houston Rockets (9-22), 8:30 p.m.
Match-Up | Line-Up
(Sports Network) - Owners of the worst record in the Western Conference, the Houston Rockets begin a three-game homestand seeking their third win in five games when they host the Detroit Pistons Thursday night.
Houston lost its last game, a 114-90 setback against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on Sunday to fall to 9-22 -- tied with the Memphis Grizzlies for the least successful record in the West. After making a return to the court following his foot injury, Steve Francis missed Sunday's game with a migraine headache. Francis came off the injured list on Friday, but he felt ill and was forced to sit out against the Lakers. Houston is 1-16 without him in the lineup.
Cuttino Mobley scored 18 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished seven assists and Eddie Griffin added 17 points and eight rebounds in place of injured starter Kenny Thomas (hip). Walt Williams left the game in the third quarter after spraining his left ankle and is listed as questionable for tonight's game.
"It's been a weird year," Houston coach Rudy Tomjanovich said. "Maybe the new year will bring some health and prosperity."
Detroit failed to win its second straight game on Wednesday, instead losing its eighth game in nine tries with a 97-85 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs. Zeljko Rebraca led the way with 17 points and seven rebounds, as Jerry Stackhouse was held to 13 points on 2-for-9 shooting. Ben Wallace contributed 12 points and 12 rebounds in the losing cause.
"I thought Stack played with a lot of patience and tried to get the ball to others," said coach Rick Carlisle. "But 24 turnovers led to over 30 of their points. If you turn it over that many times, you are never going to win against a team like the Spurs."
Houston has won eight straight against Detroit at home, improving to 22-5 all- time against the Pistons at the Compaq Center. The Rockets are 6-10 at home this season and 3-7 against the Eastern Conference, while Detroit is 6-11 on the road and 5-8 versus the West.
These teams met on December 9 at the Palace and Detroit posted a 105-77 win behind 15 points from Jon Barry. Mobley led the Rockets with 17 points, and Francis missed the game.
The Pistons lead the all-time series, 56-50.
Detroit Pistons (15-14) at Houston Rockets (9-22), 8:30 p.m.
Match-Up | Line-Up
(Sports Network) - Owners of the worst record in the Western Conference, the Houston Rockets begin a three-game homestand seeking their third win in five games when they host the Detroit Pistons Thursday night.
Houston lost its last game, a 114-90 setback against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on Sunday to fall to 9-22 -- tied with the Memphis Grizzlies for the least successful record in the West. After making a return to the court following his foot injury, Steve Francis missed Sunday's game with a migraine headache. Francis came off the injured list on Friday, but he felt ill and was forced to sit out against the Lakers. Houston is 1-16 without him in the lineup.
Cuttino Mobley scored 18 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished seven assists and Eddie Griffin added 17 points and eight rebounds in place of injured starter Kenny Thomas (hip). Walt Williams left the game in the third quarter after spraining his left ankle and is listed as questionable for tonight's game.
"It's been a weird year," Houston coach Rudy Tomjanovich said. "Maybe the new year will bring some health and prosperity."
Detroit failed to win its second straight game on Wednesday, instead losing its eighth game in nine tries with a 97-85 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs. Zeljko Rebraca led the way with 17 points and seven rebounds, as Jerry Stackhouse was held to 13 points on 2-for-9 shooting. Ben Wallace contributed 12 points and 12 rebounds in the losing cause.
"I thought Stack played with a lot of patience and tried to get the ball to others," said coach Rick Carlisle. "But 24 turnovers led to over 30 of their points. If you turn it over that many times, you are never going to win against a team like the Spurs."
Houston has won eight straight against Detroit at home, improving to 22-5 all- time against the Pistons at the Compaq Center. The Rockets are 6-10 at home this season and 3-7 against the Eastern Conference, while Detroit is 6-11 on the road and 5-8 versus the West.
These teams met on December 9 at the Palace and Detroit posted a 105-77 win behind 15 points from Jon Barry. Mobley led the Rockets with 17 points, and Francis missed the game.
The Pistons lead the all-time series, 56-50.
