"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 Wednesday, and a rematch between the Eastern Conference finalists is one of the highlights.

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

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 also can 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 Wednesday, the team announced the signing of second-round draft pick Walter Sharpe, a small forward from Alabama-Birmingham. Terms were not disclosed."