"The Pistons won't have long to wait this season for their first shot at the NBA champions.

On Nov. 9, the Pistons will host the Boston Celtics in the team's third home game.

The 2008-09 schedule was released today and a rematch between the Eastern Conference finalists was one of the highlights.

The Pistons will open the season at the Palace against the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 29.

Other highlights of the home schedule include another meeting against the Celtics (Jan. 30), two clashes with LeBron James and the Cavaliers (Nov. 19 and Feb. 1),

and a date with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers (March 26).

Pistons fans can also catch a glimpse of budding superstar Chris Paul when the New Orleans Hornets visit Jan. 17.

As for the road schedule, the Pistons play eight of their first 12 games away from home, including a four-game Western Conference trip.

Also today, the team announced the signing of second-round draft pick Walter Sharpe, a small forward from Alabama-Birmingham. Terms were not disclosed. Sharpe was the 32nd overall pick in this year's NBA draft. The 6-foot, 9-inch forward began his college career at Mississippi State, but was suspended after missing a team flight and being late to practices and meetings. He transferred to Alabama-Birmingham after his sophomore season and was diagnosed with narcolepsy.

He played in only 18 games the last three seasons and missed the second half of his junior season after being declared academically ineligible. He averaged 14.2 points and 6.8 rebounds in 12 games."