Pistons Outlast 76ers, but Billups Is Injured

Chauncey Billups’ sprained ankle concerned the Detroit Pistons as much as their victory over the Philadelphia 76ers excited them.

Richard Hamilton scored 25 points and top-seeded Detroit beat the fourth-seeded 76ers, 98-87, Tuesday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Billups had to be helped off the court after scoring his 24th point with 10:09 remaining.

“I just got done talking to him in the training room, and said, ‘Please tell me you’ll be all right for Game 2,’ ” Hamilton said. “Hopefully he’ll be back.”

Game 2 is Thursday night at Auburn Hills. Piston Coach Rick Carlisle said he may not know until that day whether Billups will play.

Philadelphia also has a limping guard.

X-rays were taken of Eric Snow’s right foot after the game, and they were negative. Snow, who received treatment on his foot before the game, will be evaluated again before practice today.

Allen Iverson had 27 points for the 76ers.

“They played better than us, but we still had a chance to win the basketball game, so we feel good about that,” Iverson said.

Detroit was in control for much of the game, but it was never comfortable.

That was especially true when Billups left after he turned his left ankle after landing on Snow’s foot following a jumper.