I don't think so. I think it's just a matter of match ups, game-in game-out. I think, when the matchup is there for Darko, then Flip will play him. And then there's going to be games, against smaller teams, where Darko probably won't see very much, if any, floor time.

Now he'll probably play tonight. Not only because Portland will be a better matchup for him, but also to give our bigs a rest, seeings how it's the second leg of a back to back.

The following is from one of Blakely's articles today;

"With tonight being a back-to-back for Detroit, Pistons coach Flip Saunders anticipates playing Darko Milicic who did not play (coaches decision) on Thursday.

Saunders has talked with Milicic, as well as Carlos Delfino, about not playing as much as they would like to. The talks have centered around letting them know that even though their minutes have been limited, they still have considerable value to the team and the organization.

"It's tough," said Saunders, referring to young players not seeing a lot of playing time. "All players want to play. The main thing is what I try to do, myself and the assistants, is not avoid (talking about) it. A lot of people try and avoid it and not talk about it. I think it's best to confront them and talk about it and let them know where you're at, and let them know that there is an open door policy to talk about it."

Saunders added, "there's going to be times that you might play, and times you might not. That doesn't mean we've lost confidence in you."
Delfino played seven minutes on Thursday, and responded with four points and a rebound."