Pistons at Rockets
THE STORY: Houston has won three consecutive games and is coming off its highest scoring game of the season. The Rockets look to have a strong chance to make it four in a row Tuesday when they host the reeling Detroit Pistons, who are last in the Central Division and 1-5 on the road. The Rockets overcame a career-high 38 points from Wizards guard John Wall for a 114-106 victory over Washington on Monday. Detroit lost to Golden State 99-91 on Sunday after the Warriors used a 10-0 run in the fourth quarter to pull away. Greg Monroe (a career-best 13 of 14 at the line) led the Pistons with 25 points. In their last meeting on Dec. 7, 2010, Houston held the Pistons to an opponent season low in a 97-83 victory. Houston has won five in row at home over the Pistons.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, FS Houston
ABOUT THE PISTONS (3-10): Rodney Stuckey has been in Detroit’s starting backcourt since the 2008-09 season, but he could be relegated to sixth-man status. Stuckey missed four games with a groin injury and has been coming off the bench with Ben Gordon and Brandon Knight starting. Stuckey, at least publicly, said he isn’t worried about starting, just healing his injury. “Nah, I don't really care. If I start or come off the bench, I'm blessed,” Stuckey said. “Whether I'm the sixth man, seventh man, I don't worry about that.”
ABOUT THE ROCKETS (6-7): After a slow start, Kevin Martin might be getting his usual free-throw opportunities. Martin is 22 of 23 at the line in his past two games. In his first 11 games this season, Martin averaged 3.4 free-throw attempts per game. He had averaged no less than 7.1 each of the previous six seasons. Martin just says he is adjusting to a new rule that restricts shooting fouls. “I’ve got to adapt to it,” Martin said. “Just be aggressive. If they want to give me the call, they will. If not, I’ve got to find other ways.”
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Detroit’s Tayshaun Prince is one block from 400 and two steals from 400.
2. The Rockets have a 43-17 series lead against Detroit in Houston.
3. Monroe has increased his scoring average from 9.4 last season to 17.2.