Brandon Jennings could return Sunday vs. Celtics

The Detroit Pistons might have their backcourt at full strength by the end of the weekend. Rodney Stuckey, whose permanent role has yet to be determined, will be the first guard off the bench Friday in Memphis against the Grizzlies. Starting point guard Brandon Jennings, meanwhile, could return Sunday when the Pistons return home to face the Boston Celtics.

Jennings missed seven of eight preseason games with dental issues, needing a wisdom tooth extracted and a hairline fracture in his jaw repaired.

Jennings ate solid food Thursday for first time since having jaw wired more than 2 weeks ago. They want him to go through Saturday practice

— Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) November 1, 2013

If no setbacks Saturday and Jennings feels strong enough, fully expect him to go Sunday vs. Boston

— Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) November 1, 2013

Like Stuckey, Jennings missed seven of eight preseason games, playing 23 minutes against Maccabi Haifia in the opener. (If you're curious, he scored 15 points with three assists and five steals.) Unlike Stuckey, though, we have no idea how he'll fit in with most of his new teammates.

When he does return, though, he'll look somewhat familiar. As you can see above, he's been outfitted with a Rip Hamilton-esque face mask, which he's expected to wear indefinitely.

I'm curious how Jennings will be used immediately upon his return. After missing virtually the entire preseason and not eating solid foods, did his conditioning take a hit? Will he be thrust into the starting lineup, or eased into action?

We'll find out soon.