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Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy had not produced a single win against the Pistons in six previous tries during his L.A. tenure.

So who could expect much different Monday with Elton Brand, the franchise player, out with back spasms and the Clippers coming to the Palace on the final day of a grueling seven-game, 12-day road trip?

Pistons coach Flip Saunders made sure his team knew how tired the Clippers would likely be.

"Yeah, (we told them) this morning," Saunders said. "Before the game, during the game, at the end of the game. We've all been there, so you know what it's like."

And so the workmanlike Pistons (32-18) predictably won, beating the Clippers, 92-74, to extend their win streak to seven games.

Minus Brand, Clips no match