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Pistons' Ish Smith: Returns to bench role Sunday

Smith will move to a bench role for Sunday's game against the Magic, Rod Beard of The Detroit News reports.

Analysis:

With Reggie Jackson (knee) sidelined for the first 21 games of the Pistons' season, Smith has started at point guard, averaging 10.8 points, 6.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.0 steal over 29.6 minutes per game. Jackson was cleared to make his debut Sunday after taking part in shootaround without incident, and while coach Stan Van Gundy figures to hold him in the 20-to-25 minute range, it shouldn't be long before he regularly assumes a 30-minute role. Since Smith lacks a reliable outside shot, it's not expected that he'll play alongside Jackson very frequently, which likely means he'll be forced to settle for close to a 20-minute role upon shuffling back to the second unit. Smith isn't a strong hold in most leagues while his playing time looks to be on the decline.

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