<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">AUBURN HILLS -- The march continues. Fifteen games, 27 more days -- the Pistons are in the process of simultaneously counting down to and revving up for the playoffs. "Yeah, we've got to get in gear, you know, get our pistons going," said Rasheed Wallace, chuckling at his own wordplay. There is still considerable work to do. The Pistons, after a three-week lull, seem to be re-imposing their defensive will. They limited the Hawks to 84 points and the Heat to 73 the last two games. "As the season winds down, we have to establish that as our identity, because, going into the playoffs, that's the way games are going to be played," Lindsey Hunter said. "It's a defensive struggle every game, and every possession means a lot. We have to get back into the habit of stopping guys every night." Their offense, though, continues to sputter. They shot a season-low 34.9 percent against the Heat. "We are looking to build some consistency now," coach Flip Saunders said. "The main thing is, we have a 10-game lead (in the loss column) with 15 games left over Miami. Getting the home-court advantage in the Eastern Conference is as much a vital key as anything. "What I would like to be able to do going forward is to continue to extend our bench and get our guys to stay competitive and yet still keep them relatively fresh." The Pistons also would like to re-establish themselves on the road -- starting tonight, preferably, against the Pacers in Indiana. The Pistons are 24-11 away from home but 3-4 in their last seven. "I don't really know why we are a good road team," Hunter said. "But with our identity, we play well in hostile environments. Being a defensive team gives you that edge where you feel you can go anywhere and win." The environment will be plenty hostile at Conseco, as the Pacers cling to a tie with Washington for the fifth playoff spot in the East. The last time the Pistons were in Indiana, the Pacers put a 93-85 hurting on them, without All-Star forward Jermaine O'Neal. O'Neal, who was idle since Jan. 24 because of a groin injury, has returned. "He's a significant presence," Saunders said. "Without him, they didn't go inside quite as much. He gives them a definite low-block presence and more shot-blocking." O'Neal is still building slowly back up to game speed. Point guard Jamaal Tinsley, who also has been out most of the season, has had a sinus infection. He is expected to play.</div> Source
