Miami hits the road, begin brief trip in Detroit

After a couple days off, the Miami Heat are back on the road for a few a games, starting tonight in Detroit. Games against the Pistons aren't anywhere close to what they used to be 6-7 years ago. Back then, when Detroit was a favorite to come out of the Eastern Conference every year, the Pistons and the Heat had several epic showdowns, including a pair of exciting playoff series'.

Now the Heat are trying to regain the form they showed in the weeks leading up to the NBA All-Star Game that took place in late February. They had won eight straight games heading into the break, and their last eleven wins were by at least a twelve-point margin. Since the break, they've still won seven of eleven, but the wins haven't come nearly as easily.

GAME NOTES

• The Heat are 14-9 on the road. Detroit is 12-11 at home.
• A win would give the Heat their best start in franchise history through 46 games.
• Miami has given up an average of 96.0 points in their last five road games.
• The Heat has won six straight games in Detroit, and five straight overall against the Pistons.
• Dwyane Wade has at least one blocked shot in seven straight games.
• Detroit rookie Brandon Knight leads all rookies with 69 three-pointers.
• For the Heat, Mike Miller (ankle) remains out.
• As for the Pistons, Charlie Villanueva (ankle) and Rodney Stuckey (toe) are questionable.

Tipoff from the Motor City is set for 7:30. The game will be broadcast locally on Sun Sports.