Preview: The Pistons' 118-98 home victory over New Orleans on Wednesday ended a three-game losing streak. They had lost six of nine games before beating the Pelicans. The Pistons are 13-10 at home after having won four of their past five at the Palace and 9-17 on the road after they started the season 1-8. … The Pistons have won the past three games between the two teams, including the first meeting this season, 117-90 at Target Center in December. That was the Wolves' worst loss this season until Wednesday's 125-97 defeat at Cleveland.

Players to watch: Wolves C Karl-Anthony Towns has decided not to defend his All-Star skills challenge won last season in Toronto. … Pistons center Andre Drummond delivered a 22-point, 22-rebound night in that December game and is averaging 14.6 points, 13.6 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1.7 steals this season. … Once rumored to be part of a swap for Wolves guard Ricky Rubio, Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson has played 28 games after he missed the season's first 21 games because of a knee injury. He is averaging 16.6 points and 5.4 assists. … Orono's own Jon Leuer is starting for the Pistons and averaging 10.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 26.4 minutes a game.

JERRY ZGODA