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Toronto -4 vs. Detroit

The new era of Detroit Pistons basketball starts north of the border tonight. Lost in the shuffle of the arrival of Allen Iverson and the departure of fan favorite Chauncey Billups is the fact that the Pistons (3-0) will meet the Raptors (3-0) tonight in Toronto in a battle of undefeated teams.

Alan Iverson met the Detroit media for the first time yesterday and has pledged his enthusiasm for helping the team win their first World Championship since 2004. With Billups, the NBA Finals MVP from that season, the Pistons made six straight Eastern Conference Finals, but they were a disappointing 2-4 in those series.  Having six bites at the apple and only making the Finals once and only winning it all only once may have sealed Billups fate in the Motor City. He moves on to Denver, along with Antonio McDyess and the duo take their large salaries with them. Meanwhile Iverson brings his large contract, but unlike the two leaving Auburn Hills, his deal is up after this year.

If the Detroit Pistons are doing rebuilding on the fly, it is obvious Richard Hamilton will be in the middle of it. Hamilton agreed to a $34 million three year contract extension yesterday as well. The All-Star is averaging nearly 20 points per game through the first three games of the season.

With a win over Detroit, Toronto will win four straight for the first time in franchise history. The last time out, the Raptors beat the Bucks 91-87 with standout Jose Calderon scoring a career high 25 points. All-Star Chris Bosh is averaging a double double this season with 22.5 points and 10.7 rebounds per game.

It is unclear if Iverson will suit up in the red, white and blue for the Pistons tonight. If he does, however, the Toronto Raptors may be in trouble. In 26 games against Toronto, Iverson has averaged 30 points per game.

Detroit carried the season series 3-1 last season, with Toronto's only win coming at home.

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