May 10, 2008 - 9:34 AM
0 shoutsDetroit at Orlando 5:00 pm EDT Eastern Conference semifinals Pistons lead, 2-1
ORLANDO, Florida (Ticker) - The second-seeded Detroit Pistons aren't sure if Chauncey Billups will be available when they take on the third-seeded Orlando Magic in Game Four of the Eastern Conference semifinals Saturday.
The point guard suffered a strained right hamstring Wednesday during the Pistons' 111-86 loss to the Magic in Game Three.
"It's feeling sore," Billups said after the Pistons' practice Thursday. "Kind of similar to (Wednesday night). It's just sore."
Pistons strength and conditioning coach Arnie Kander was optimistic regarding Billups, who received treatment during Thursday's practice.
"My goal is to get him ready for Saturday," Kander said. "It's feasible, of course. We're going to hit him with a barrage of stuff, going to do seven to eight treatments a day around the clock."
The Magic sealed Wednesday's victory following Billups' injury, as the team proceeded to go on an 18-4 run en route to an 18-point lead.
Magic coach Stan Van Gundy recognizes Billups' worth to the Pistons.
"(Billups is) not only a great player, he's their leader," Van Gundy said. "Chauncey Billups is their guy, and it definitely had a huge effect on (Wednesday's) game."
The 31-year-old Billups poured in 28 points during Game Two after scoring 19 in the best-of-seven series opener.
From the Bleachers
-
DETROIT: 90
ORLANDO: 89
Final
May 10 7:39 PM -
DETROIT: 70
ORLANDO: 70
End of 3rd
May 10 6:57 PM -
DETROIT: 44
ORLANDO: 55
Halftime
May 10 6:08 PM -
DETROIT: 21
ORLANDO: 27
End of 1st
May 10 5:33 PM
