The Detroit Pistons take on the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Thursday evening.

The Pistons (36-34) are in the midst of fighting for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference, and they'll come into Thursday's game in possession of the sixth seed at the moment. However, Detroit has hurt itself to an extent by dropping three of its past five contests. Their most recent stumble came against the Cleveland Cavaliers, which toppled them by a 126-119 score on Monday night. Wayne Ellington led the way for the Pistons with 25 points, adding two assists, one rebound and two steals. Andre Drummond generated a 21-point, 21-rebound double-double that also included five assists, two steals and one block. Reggie Jackson poured in 15 points and added four assists and two rebounds. Ish Smith and Langston Galloway generated matching 13-point tallies.

The Pistons come into Thursday's game without any injuries to report.

The Suns (17-55) have improved over the latter portion of the season, but they'll still come into Thursday's contest having dropped four of their last six games. Their most recent defeat was a 116-101 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Monday night. Deandre Ayton and Devin Booker led the way with matching 25-point tallies, with Ayton also hauling in 12 rebounds and Booker furnishing eight rebounds and seven assists. Josh Jackson registered 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Mikal Bridges delivered 12 points and three rebounds. Troy Daniels poured in 10 points.

The Suns will be without Tyler Johnson (knee), T.J. Warren (ankle) and Kelly Oubre, Jr. (thumb) on Thursday. Richaun Holmes (thigh) will be listed as questionable.

Thursday's contest marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Pistons hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 118-107 victory on Nov. 25.