Iverson sits again for Pistons

Mar 1, 2009 - 6:24 PM BOSTON (Ticker) -- The Detroit Pistons once again were without All-Star guard Allen Iverson for Sunday's contest against the Boston Celtics.

Iverson stayed behind in Detroit after sitting out Friday's 93-85 victory at Orlando with a sore back which forced him to leave Wednesday's loss at New Orleans.

The Pistons overcame Iverson's absence to snap an eight-game losing streak with their win at Orlando. The starting backcourt tandem of Rip Hamilton and Rodney Stuckey combined for 53 points against the Magic.

Earlier in the day, Detroit coach Michael Curry announced that Iverson would be used off the bench when he did return.

"I'm sure it will be an adjustment period for him, but that's what he have to do right now to give us the best chance to win the game," Curry said.

In 51 games with Detroit, Iverson is averaging just 18.0 points and 5.0 assists.

The Pistons (28-29), who are trying to hold on to a playoff spot, have dropped to seventh in the Eastern Conference. They are only 2 1/2 games ahead of Chicago and New Jersey, who are tied for ninth.