Pistons get slammed by Rockets at the Palace, 114-97

The Houston Rockets were without guards Jeremy Lin & James Harden due to injury and Greg Smith (knee) & Patrick Beverly (fractured right hand) left the game with first half injuries and did not return. However, Dwight Howard scored 35 points, 19 rebounds, and five assists to hand the Detroit Pistons a 114-97 loss at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

Josh Smith led Detroit with 15 first-half points, including a jumper late in the first quarter that gave the Pistons their last lead of the night. Smith finished with 19 points.

The Pistons will spend the holidays on the road, starting with a trip to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers this Monday night at 7 pm.