Jodie Meeks to make Detroit Pistons regular season debut vs. Phoenix Suns

Out since the preseason with a stress reaction in his back, Jodie Meeks, the Pistons' biggest free agent signing this past summer, is expected to play on Friday vs. the Phoenix Suns. Meeks went through two full practices this week with zero setbacks, so Stan Van Gundy said, "we'll run him out there."

"No expectations, no pressure on him," Van Gundy added.

Yeah, we're 3-19 and desperately need to turn things around. No pressure.

Seriously, the only expectation is that Meeks will see some minutes vs. the Suns. How many minutes and when he gets those minutes are unknown at this time. Keith Langlois wrote that Cartier Martin is the one likely to lose his rotation spot as a result of Meeks' return. I would guess that Meeks will come off the bench to start, but I'm sure we'll have a better idea of his role closer to game time.

Meeks still doesn't know how he injured the back, but what started as simply a fear of back spasms turned into an eight-week break.

Almost exactly eight weeks later, maybe Christmas has come early for the Pistons.