Tipoff: 6 p.m., The Palace of Auburn Hills.

TV, radio: Chs. 33; WIOD (610), WACC (830, Spanish).

Heat injuries: F Malik Allen (knee) is questionable; C Ernest Brown (thumb), F Sean Marks (abdomen), G Anthony Carter (abdominal strain) are out.

Pistons injuries: F Victor Alexander (knee), F Brian Cardinal (knee), C Ratko Varda (back) are out.

Scouting report: The Pistons need a victory about as badly as the Heat. Detroit has lost seven straight games, including all five on a recent West Coast swing. After beginning the season 14-6, the Pistons are now trying to stay above the .500 mark. This will be only their second home game in eight outings.
Probable Heat starters
No. Player Pos. Ht. Avg. 24 Jim Jackson F 6-6 13.9 44 Brian Grant F 6-9 9.1 33 Alonzo Mourning C 6-10 14.0  6 Eddie Jones G 6-6 18.0  1 Rod Strickland G 6-1 7.7 Probable Pistons starters
No. Player Pos. Ht. Avg.  3 Ben Wallace F 6-9 7.4 34 Corliss Williamson F 6-7 12.7 30 Clifford Robinson C 6-10 15.6 42 Jerry Stackhouse G 6-6 21.9  7 Chucky Atkins G 5-11 11.3