The season begins with the Houston Rockets facing the defending champion Pistons on Nov. 2 on TNT.

The defending champion Pistons have lost three of their past four games, all on the road.

Are the defending champion Pistons soon to become the former champions?

The defending champion Pistons frustrated Wade into a 7-of-25 shooting night, and their defense clamped down on the Heat in the final five minutes.

Game 6 will be here Tuesday night at the SBC Center, and the odds are not in the defending champion Pistons' favor.

The defending champion Pistons have eight interchangable players who know how to make the big plays down the stretch and are dedicated to playing defense.

Malone was also an assistant with the champion Pistons of 1989 and 1990 and with the Knicks in 1987 and 1988.

Jordan shared responsibility and led the 55-27 Bulls to the second best record in the East behind the defending champion Pistons (59-23).

By sharing responsibility rather than shouldering it, Jordan led Chicago to the second-best record in the East at 55-27 behind the defending champion Pistons, who finished 59-23.

Reggie Miller's fireworks display had long since faded, and in an empty arena, the defending champion Pistons found themselves contemplating their next shot.