Champion Pistons, plus some new faces, head back to court.(basketball team, the Detroit Pistons)

Good thing all Tuesday nights aren't so exciting! On November 2, the Yak hardly knew what to do--watch for the outcome of the U.S. presidential election, or watch his favorite basketball team, the Detroit Pistons.

The Pistons began their 2004-2005 season Tuesday night, with a game against the Houston Rockets. (This magazine went to press before the game.) You might think, well, so what? The team plays 82 games! But this was scheduled to be a special night for the Pistons because it was the night they were to raise the championship banner, and the night the players were to be presented with rings commemorating their NBA championship. The Pistons beat the Los Angeles Lakers last June, winning the NBA title in five games.

If it seems like not that long ago since you last watched the Pistons, you are not alone. Chauncey Billups, who was voted the most valuable player of the Finals, also thinks his summer vacation didn't last long. But you know what? He doesn't mind.

"We were all complaining on how short the summer was, but I think we all enjoyed it," Chauncey said.

Now they are back together and ready to defend that title. Except you might notice a few new faces. Here is the Pistons starting lineup:

* Point guard Chauncey Billups

* Shooting guard Richard (Rip) Hamilton