Chicago — With the Pistons grasping to dwindling playoff hopes, Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy made a move that could shore up the starting five and help lift them in the final 11 games of the season.
Van Gundy moved point guard Ish Smith to the starting lineup, replacing Reggie Jackson, whose production has been sporadic all season. It’s the first start for Smith since Jackson returned from getting knee tendinitis treatments, which forced him to miss the first 21 games of the season.
It’s unclear whether Smith, who was signed as a free agent in the offseason, will be the starter for the remainder of the season, but it appears that Van Gundy is looking to give the Pistons the best opportunity to win.