Orlando, Fla. — For the third time in the past two season, the Pistons are preparing for going an extended period without point guard Reggie Jackson.
He missed the first 21 games last season, and the final nine; after Tuesday’s injury — a grade-3 sprain of his right ankle — the projection is that he’ll be out for 6-8 weeks at least.
Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy confirmed Thursday that backup Ish Smith will move into the starting role to replace Jackson, as he did during both absences last season.
“He’s the next man up,” Van Gundy said after shootaround.