--G Ben Gordon has gotten hot since he moved back into the starting lineup, thanks to Rodney Stuckey's shoulder injury. He has made 13 three-pointers over the last three games while improving his three-point season percentage to 38.7 percent. Gordon will return to his sixth-man role when Stuckey returns.

--F Charlie Villanueva has struggled with his offensive game during Detroit's four-game losing streak. He is averaging 7.8 points during that span. He missed the previous two games with a right ankle sprain and that injury is continuing to affect him when he pushes off.

--C Ben Wallace returned Wednesday against Charlotte after missing the previous two games for personal reasons. He went scoreless in 17 minutes with four rebounds and two blocks. Wallace started most of the season at center but has come off the bench since missing six games last month with a left ankle sprain. Chris Wilcox and Greg Monroe have been starting regularly in the frontcourt.

"Ben and I have talked," head coach John Kuester said. "He was gone for a while and he's just working his way back into it. I like what Chris is doing right now. It doesn't matter whether Ben is starting or coming off the bench, he's ready to give you minutes."

MEDICAL WATCH

--F Jonas Jerebko (partial Achilles' tendon tear, right leg) underwent surgery on Oct. 8 after crashing to the floor while driving to the basket during the opening preseason game. He is expected to return sometime after the All-Star break.

--G Terrico White (fractured fifth metatarsal, right foot) was injured during the Pistons' preseason opener and also underwent surgery Oct. 8. He is expected to miss at least one more month.

--G Rodney Stuckey (shoulder contusion) has missed the last three games. He is questionable to play Friday against New Jersey.

--C Jason Maxiell (back) missed Wednesday's game against Charlotte. He is questionable Friday.

ROTATION

Starters:

--Point guard Tracy McGrady

--Shooting guard Ben Gordon

--Small forward Tayshaun Prince

--Power forward Chris Wilcox

--Center Greg Monroe

Bench:

--Point guard Will Bynum

--Small forward Austin Daye

--Power forward Charlie Villanueva

--Center Ben Wallace

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