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The Detroit Pistons host the Orlando Magic tonight at the Palace. The Magic have won their last three meetings against the Pistons, including two games in a six-day stretch in November. That said, the Pistons were a different team early in the year -- as are the Magic.
After the Pistons dropped their second game of the year to Orlando, they had a lowly 2-10 record. Ever since, they've played near .500 (13-15) basketball -- including winning eight of their last 12. The Magic, meanwhile, are in a downward spiral, winning just two of their last 15. So while these teams are technically separated by just a single game in the standings, they're headed in completely different directions.
And that concludes today's Fun With Math. For a taste how the other side is living, check out Orlando Pinstriped Post.
Pistons (14-26) vs. Magic (15-25)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: Fox Sports Detroit Plus
Line: Pistons favored by 4.5
Halftime entertainment: It's Busta Rhymes! No, really:
GAME DAY! #Pistons at @thepalace tonight to take on the @orlando_magic at 7:30 with @bustarhymes performing at halftime!
— Detroit Pistons (@detroitpistons) January 22, 2013
Stupid segue: Back in 2008, Busta Rhymes hosted a birthday party for then-Pistons guard Rip Hamilton: