"The most important thing is to continue to play well," Pistons coach Michael Curry said.

There were several games this season the Pistons positioned themselves to win before falling short, but few losses hurt more than the 95-90 defeat at Philadelphia on April 4.

"Winning that game in Philly ... we had our destiny in our own hands," Curry said. "Now, really, seventh is the one that we control. We want to just keep battling and keep playing really good Basketball, and let that be the key. And in the process, get the best seeding."

Rip, Sheed healthy

Detroit got off to a slow start Saturday against Indiana, which deviates from recent performances early in games.

The Pistons entered its matchup against the Pacers riding a three-game winning streak, and they won the past two games with strong starts.

Curry said the improved health of Richard Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace was instrumental to the team's improved first-quarter play.

"Sheed and Rip, as they've gotten healthy, they've gotten in better and better shape," Curry said. "When two guys that you're running a lot of stuff through -- especially early, if they're not making shots -- then it could be a little difficult."

Bench gaining confidence

Curry said he would play at least nine players in the playoffs, but bench minutes likely would be trimmed some in the postseason.

"The minutes might not be the same," Curry said. "Whereas I've been trying to keep (Hamilton) and (Tayshaun Prince) and those guys down some minutes now, come playoff time, they won't have six-, seven-minute rest periods."

But if a player gets hot, Curry said he won't hesitate to ride him out longer than usual.

More on A.I.

Indiana coach Jim O'Brien can be added to the list of people who did not think the Allen Iverson trade would work out well for Detroit.

Iverson has been shut down for the rest of the season due to a sore back injury.

When asked about mixing Iverson's game with the Pistons' style of play, O'Brien said, "it's like oil and water, absolutely."