The New Jersey Nets and Detroit Pistons meet for the second time in three nights Friday on "Star Wars" night at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons took the last meeting 99-92, despite another ferocious late rally.
The trend of losing players continued for the Nets with guard Keith Bogans leaving Wednesday's game with a likely season-ending broken ankle. He will join Brook Lopez, Damion James, Mehmet Okur and DeShawn Stevenson on the sidelines. Rookie MarShon Brooks will be a game-time decision as he continues to recover from a broken toe.
Detroit had injury problems equal to New Jersey, but should only be without Charlie Villanueva and Will Bynum Friday night. The Pistons will be shooting for their season-high fourth straight win.
All-Star Deron Williams led the Nets last time out with a game-high 34 points and seven assists while Jordan Farmar helped in the back court with 22 points off the bench. The only other New Jersey player to score in double figures was Shelden Williams (11).
Greg Monroe took advantage of the thin New Jersey front line, scoring 20 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the floor. Forward Jonas Jerebko was a nuisance with 16 points while Tayshaun Prince had 15.
With Shawne Williams -- hobbled by his own injury problems -- the only healthy small forward for the Nets, look for Prince and Jerebko again to be a problem for New Jersey.
Catch the game locally on YES or WFAN 660 with tip scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
The Nets will return home after the game to take on the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night at The Prudential Center.