New Orleans/Oklahoma City is two games behind the eighth-seeded Sacramento Kings for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, while the Pistons have already clinched first place in the Central Division and the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Hornets enter tonight's contest on a three-game winning streak. On Sunday, rookie phenom Chris Paul posted his first career triple-double with 24 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists to lead New Orleans/Oklahoma City past the Toronto Raptors in double-overtime, 120-113, at the Air Canada Centre.
David West netted 23 and pulled down six rebounds, while Speedy Claxton added 10 points and a career-high 12 assists in the win over Toronto for the Hornets.
New Orleans/Oklahoma City is 14-22 as the visitor this season.
Detroit plays the finale of a three-game homestand and attempts to win its fifth straight game. Chauncey Billups scored a game-high 35 points to lead the Pistons back from a 17-point deficit as they edged the Phoenix Suns, 109-102, on Sunday in a battle of first place clubs at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
Tayshaun Prince ended with 23 points and eight rebounds in the win over Phoenix for the Pistons, who have won eight of their last nine games overall. Rasheed Wallace scored 15, while Richard Hamilton finished with 12 points in the victory.
Ben Wallace contributed 11 points and 12 rebounds in Sunday's win for the Pistons
Rasheed Wallace will be on the sidelines tonight as he received an automatic one-game suspension for receiving his 16th technical of the campaign during the victory over the Suns.
The Pistons are an amazing 33-3 at The Palace this season. They have won three in a row at home.
This is the second and final meeting of the campaign between the teams. On January 10th, Hamilton poured in 30 points to pace Detroit to a 96-86 victory over the Hornets at the Ford Center.
The Pistons have won three in a row in this series. The Hornets have lost two straight after winning their last two at Detroit.
