Nam Y. Huh - AP
about 1 month ago: Detroit Pistons' Richard Hamilton, left, Tayshaun Prince, Rodney Stuckey, center, Ben Gordon, and Ben Wallace react after Rodney Stuckey missing a free-throw during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010, in Chicago. The Bulls won 101-91. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
A pair of struggling Central Division clubs meet in Auburn Hills tonight when the Cleveland Cavaliers pay a visit to the Detroit Pistons.
The Cavs dropped the opener of a three-game road trip in Minneapolis last night when they were hammered by the Timberwolves, 129-95. Kevin Love scored 20 of his 28 points in the first half in that one as Minnesota built a large lead on its way to the easy win.
Cleveland, playing for the first time since being thumped by LeBron James and Miami on Thursday, got 18 points from Ramon Sessions and 17 from Antawn Jamison -- both in reserve roles en route to its thirst straight loss and seventh setback in nine games.
"We're just playing bad basketball," said Jamison, who couldn't think of the last time Cleveland played well on both sides of the court. "It's going to get out of hand if we don't solve the problem and start playing the right ways."
The Cavs, who will finish their current trek in Philadelphia next Tuesday, have been outscored by a staggering 81 points during their three-game skid.
Cleveland forwards J.J. Hickson and Joey Graham both missed the game against the Timberwolves with flu-like symptoms, and their status remains unclear for tonight's contest.
The Pistons haven't been much better and dropped their fourth straight game on Friday when Brandon Bass took over the offensive load for a short-handed Orlando team by scoring a career-best 27 points as the Magic, minus four key players, beat Detroit, 104-91.
The Magic were without All-Star center Dwight Howard and three other players due to a stomach virus.
Tayshaun Prince ended with 30 points for the Pistons, who suffered their sixth loss in seven contests. Charlie Villanueva had 15 points, Rodney Stuckey 11 and Richard Hamilton 10 for Detroit.
Cleveland has beaten the Pistons seven straight times, although the teams have not yet net this season and the Cavs no longer have James to rely upon.
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