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SAN ANTONIO (AP) - The San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons have the top records in the league and one more game against each other on Thursday night before going their separate ways for the rest of the season. If they do meet again it will be for another NBA title.

The two teams met on Christmas Day in a rematch of last season's NBA finals and Detroit held San Antonio to just eight points in the first quarter and clamped down on the Spurs' offense in the fourth in a 85-70 win.

That point total was the lowest of the season for the Spurs, and the Pistons expect the rematch to also be dominated by defense.

``People want to see scoring in basketball, but we're two defensive teams,'' said Detroit forward Tayshaun Prince. ``A lot of people like the matchup, but at the same time, they'd like to see us score more, but that's not going to happen.''

San Antonio ended New Jersey's 10-game winning streak on Tuesday night, beating the Nets 96-91. The Spurs nearly faded down the stretch, seeing a 16-point lead cut to four in the final minute.

``We can't have bad endings of games because against Detroit or good teams, it can hurt us,'' said San Antonio guard Tony Parker.

The Pistons beat New Orleans on Tuesday to improve their record to 27-5. San Antonio stands at 27-8, the league's second-best mark.

Spurs swingman Manu Ginobili, who missed the first game in Detroit with a sprained right foot, says Thursday's game will serve as a yardstick for his team.

``It's a measuring thing because they're the best team right now in the NBA,'' he said. ``We want to see where we are at now.''

Ginobili said the Pistons have been playing with greater intensity this season, which he attributes to them learning from last year's loss in the finals.

``They know they probably didn't win the championship because of (San Antonio's) home-court advantage,'' he said. ``They look like they've been taking care of business from the first day.''

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich agreed, saying, ``Detroit wants to get back and win a championship. They started slow last year - they didn't want to do that again. They're trying to prove a point.''

But Pistons players say Thursday night in San Antonio is just another stop on the schedule.

``It's nothing like, 'We've really got to go stick it to these guys this time.' It's nothing like that,'' said forward Rasheed Wallace, who will likely defend Spurs star Tim Duncan. ``It's always a good game when we play them, whether it's at their spot or at our spot.''

Added center Ben Wallace, ``We know they know what we're about and we know what they're about. ... There ain't nobody going to surprise nobody.''

[bigboydan]

it's still way too early to even think about the NBA finals. because, anything can happen between now and then.

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These two teams are a lock to be in the finals.. who could beat em???

[adriano]

God forbid, they could suffer injuries..., anyway i expect them to be in the Finals and my beloved Pistons to get their revenge for real...and today i expect them to cover +4.

[onlooker]

Still alot of season to be played out. Anything can happen, and its not a lock in any sport. Just look at the Yankees, they think they are locks for the Series every year.

[Illusion]

Still alot of season to be played out. Anything can happen, and its not a lock in any sport. Just look at the Yankees, they think they are locks for the Series every year.

Excellent point looker, but you gotta like their chances thusfar. It should be interesting how the rest of the season plays out.

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Unless Duncan gets injured for Spurs and/or Billups gets injured
for Pistons that is who will for sure be in the playoffs. And you talk
about the yankees bein locks for the series, that is different.. cause
yankees have competition like Red Sox's Angels White sox's ETC...

Who's Detroit and the Spurs competition?? Heat and Suns?? LOL

Trust me unless injuries which prob won't happen. Pistons Spurs NBA
FINALS