AUBURN HILLS, Michigan (Ticker) -- Both the Philadelphia 76ers
and Detroit Pistons hope to avoid their first losing streak of
the season when they meet Saturday at The Palace.
The 76ers rallied from an 18-point deficit to defeat Boston on
the road on Wednesday but could not fully come back from a
21-point hole against the Phoenix Suns in a 108-98 home setback
on Friday.
Allen Iverson had 25 points and nine assists for the Sixers, but
committed seven of his team's 23 turnovers, which the Suns
converted into 34 points.
The defending-champion Pistons opened their campaign with a home
win over Houston on Tuesday but came up short at Toronto on
Friday, 101-89.
Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton each scored 24 points for
the Pistons, whose bench was outscored by Toronto's reserves,
30-8.
The Pistons were without coach Larry Brown, who underwent left
hip surgery Wednesday and is expected to miss seven to 10 days.
Assistant Gar Heard ran the team.
The teams split their four meetings last season, with each going
1-1 at home.




