Duane Burleson / AP file

Forward Antonio McDyess is the Pistons' top reserve and a key member of their frontcourt rotation, says Matt Guokas of NBCSports.com.

Others who could get the call
As the Pistons get deeper into the playoffs they will need at least a bit more off the bench than just the contributions of McDyess.

Lindsey Hunter's in his twelfth NBA season and second tour of duty with Detroit.

As he did for last year's championship team, Hunter backs up Billups at point guard.

In the regular season Hunter averaged 15.1 minutes, 3.8 points, and 1.7 assists.

In the first round against the Sixers his minutes lessened to an average of 11.6.

Still, important to Detroit's cause is the spark and energy that Hunter can provide off the bench.

Even at 34, Hunter gets up on his opponent and pressures the ball.

He remains a dangerous three-point threat even though his regular-season percentage from downtown (.274) was below his career mark (.369).

Guard Carlos Arroyo came to the Pistons in a January trade with Utah.

After averaging 17.7 minutes during the regular season with Detroit, Arroyo averaged just seven minutes in the series against the Sixers.

When Pistons coach Larry Brown calls on Arroyo he's hoping he'll get court time that is without a lot of mistakes and which kind of just holds the fort and manages the game while a starter takes a breather.

Veteran seven-footer Elden Campbell is the best insurance the Pistons could come up with in case Ben Wallace goes down.

Five ways to another title
The Detroit bench is without three dependable performers from a year ago.

Mehmet Okur and Mike James left via free agency and Corliss Williamson was traded to the Sixers.

If the Pistons' thin bench is going to be a factor in the playoffs, I don't think we'll see it until the conference finals presuming Detroit gets past Indiana in the second round.

Miami is a potential conference final opponent of the Pistons, and the Heat have depth.

And they seem to need that depth because with Shaquille O'Neal not being in top physical condition, Miami must play different ways in different parts of the game.

Given the lack of depth on their bench, the Pistons won't be counting on their reserves to come up big.

If they have to call on reinforcements to get the job done they know they could be trouble.

Detroit realizes the way to a second-straight title is through the talents and efforts of a starting five kept intact from last year's playoffs -- one that is in its prime and one that if it stays healthy likes its chances at repeating.

More news

Jim Rogash / Getty Images

Not in his house

Rajon Rondo had 18 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds and the Boston Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 85-75 in Game 7 on Saturday night to advance to the Eastern Conference finals.

CSN: Rondo's big-game DNA shines  |  Highlights

CSN: You may not see it from start to finish, but when the game — or in this case, postseason life — is on the line, you see just how good Rajon Rondo can be.

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