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Pistons Vs. Cavaliers: Teams Meeting For Fourth And Final Time Tuesday

The Pistons and Cavaliers occupy the bottom two spots in the Central Division standings. They'll square off Tuesday trying to stay out of the division cellar.

March 12, 2012; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Detroit Pistons point guard Brandon Knight (7) dribbles up court during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Energy Solutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-US PRESSWIRE
March 12, 2012; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Detroit Pistons point guard Brandon Knight (7) dribbles up court during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Energy Solutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-US PRESSWIRE

The Detroit Pistons will play the Cleveland Cavaliers Tuesday night in The Palace of Auburn Hills in a game that could decide who ends up in last place in the Central Division.

Detroit, 22-38, holds a 1.5-game lead over Cleveland in the Central Division. That lead would be bigger but the Pistons have lost five of six coming in, the lone win coming against the 7-53 Charlotte Bobcats, whose losing streak now sits at 17.

There are, though, a few silver linings.

First, rookie guard Brandon Knight is averaging 19.7 points and 7.3 assists over his last three, a marked improvement from his season averages of 12.8 and 3.8.

Also, the Pistons held a fourth-quarter lead over the Chicago Bulls in their last game before falling in overtime. A loss is a loss, sure, but the previous three had come by an average of 23 points, so it was a step in the right direction.

The Cavaliers, 20-39, have been without star rookie Kyrie Irving for eight straight games, going 3-5 over that stretch. Irving is doubtful for Tuesday's game.

The Pistons are 1-2 against the Cavs this season.

Tuesday's game starts at 7:30 ET.

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