Pistons' Monroe out today, but says it's not for season

Orlando, Fla. — Pistons forward Greg Monroe said he will play again for the Pistons this season. He just doesn't know when.

Monroe was expected to miss his sixth consecutive game Friday night when the Pistons face the Orlando Magic at Amway Center.

"It's definitely something I will be fine before end of the season," Monroe said following the Pistons game-day shootaround. "I am not there yet obviously, but it is definitely something that should not take a month for me to get over."

Monroe worked out with the team Friday, cutting and planting his leg. However, he won't play until he is 100 percent pain-free and has more stability in his right knee. Monroe injured the knee during a recent practice when he got hit while defending a pick-and-roll play.

There has been speculation that Monroe won't return because he becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and the Pistons' chances of making the playoffs are slim with 11 games to play.

"I've always played," Monroe said. "That's my job. That is something I've always done. I didn't ask for this. This is something that just happened. When I am feeling healthy and I am 100 percent I will play."

Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy also said he has no plans to shut Monroe down for the season.

terry.foster@detroitnews.com

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