Sports: Pistons Crushed by 76ers

Sports Across Michigan

Pistons

The Pistons lost their 4^th straight, 89-69 to Philadelphia at the Palace.  Greg Monroe led the Pistons (17-30) with 20 points, and Jodie Meeks scored 19 off the bench. Philadelphia snapped a six-game losing streak.

Pistons Coach Stan Van Gundy was really cranky after the game.

The Pistons host the Houston Rockets on Saturday night.  It’ll be the first Palace appearance for former Piston Josh Smith, since he was released and signed with the Rockets. Smith had $36 million left on his contract, and the Pistons are paying nearly all of that.

More NBA Streaks

Kyrie Irving set a record by scoring a career-high 55 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers earned their eighth straight win, 99-94 against Portland.  The Atlanta Hawks have run their team-record winning streak to 17 games with a win over Brooklyn.

Pope in All-Star Event

Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been selected to play in the 2015 Rising Stars Challenge during NBA All-Star festivities. Caldwell-Pope is averaging 11.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 31.6 minutes in 46 games in his second year with Detroit.

The Rising Stars Challenge game, which showcases first and second year NBA players, will be played February 13th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Red Wings

The Red Wings moved ahead of Tampa Bay for first place in the Atlantic Division with their win on Tuesday.  They visit the Lightning tonight before returning home to host the Islanders Saturday.   Wings goalie Jimmy Howard began skating this week as he works to comeback from a groin injury that has had him sidelined since January 10th.  Although a timetable for his return has not been set, Howard could be ready to play sometime in the next two weeks.   Backup goalie Jonas Gustavsson, who injured his shoulder in early November, has been practicing with the team and could be back between the pipes next week.

College Basketball

KCC lost on the road at KVCC, 82-71. 15 turnovers hurt the Bruins effort as they fall to 3-14.   The KCC women also lost to KVCC, 70-53.

Michigan State takes on Rutgers tonight in a game postponed from Tuesday. Broadcast time will be 5pm on WBCK.  Michigan is at Michigan State on Sunday.

Local High School Sports

Boys Basketball

• Harper Creek beat Pennfield, 56-48.  TraVon Johnson had 25 for Harper Creek.

Girls Basketball

• The Harper Creek girls’ team beat Pennfield, 51-41. Oliva Leson had 12 points and 6 rebounds.

National Sports

Brodeur To Retire

One of hockey's all-time greats could retire today. Future Hall of Fame goalie Martin Brodeur, the NHL's all- time leader in wins and shutouts, is 42, and just signed last month with the Saint Louis Blues, after 21 years with the Devils.

Superbowl 49

The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots continue to prepare for Super Bowl 49.  Both teams practiced Wednesday as they get set to meet for the Lombardi Trophy this Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Seahawks are the defending champions after beating the Denver Broncos 43-8 in last year's outdoor, cold weather game in New Jersey. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is dealing with a bit of a cold, but says he expects to be fine come game-time on Sunday.  This will be the sixth Super Bowl appearance for Brady, who is 3-and-2 in the big game. The Seahawks are trying to become the first team to repeat since the Pats did it ten years ago.

Tigers Spring Training 

Just 23 days until pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training in Lakeland.