Pistons: Notebook

Defensive help is key for Pistons against Dwight Howard

Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

Auburn Hills -- Is it Magic center Dwight Howard's size that makes him a difficult matchup for opposing NBA centers?

Howard is 6-foot-11, 265 pounds and he isn't nicknamed Superman for nothing, what with his broad shoulders.

Or is it his speed and quickness?

"All of the above," said Ben Wallace, one of the Pistons with the unenviable task of limiting Howard when the Magic play tonight at The Palace.

As Wallace went on to discuss what makes Howard tough to contain, you couldn't help but notice the similarities between the two in terms of playing style.

"He's hungry, he goes after every rebound and block and that's what makes him tough in this league," Wallace said. "You never give up and play on every possession."

Howard's status around the league increased that much more last spring as Orlando reached the NBA Finals, defeating favored Cleveland in the Eastern Conference finals.

Still, the Pistons beat the Magic in all three regular-season matchups. But without Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess, who left during the summer, the Pistons find their options to defend Howard -- the Eastern Conference player of the week, with an average of 21 points and 16 rebounds -- a little more limited.

"We're going to need a little more help and we understand that," coach John Kuester said. "We're going to play him by committee. A number of guys will be on him."

Rip out

Richard Hamilton will miss at least one more game.

Bothered by a sprained right ankle, he will miss his third consecutive game tonight.

"He will not play tomorrow and (strength and conditioning coach) Arnie (Kander ) lists him after that as day to day," Kuester said. "He's getting treatment and he's worked real hard to get back into the flow of things, but it's taking a little bit of time."

Not having Hamilton is one reason the Pistons have struggled offensively.

"He's an integral part of our team," Kuester said. "Don't underestimate what Rip's value is in regard to his basketball intelligence and getting other people involved."

Slam dunks

Multiple Swedish news outlets were at practice to do stories on rookie Jonas Jerebko .

ted.kulfan@detnews.com (313) 223-4606