Ben

Wallace

Wallace could see a few minutes tonight, or the Pistons might wait until the next game to get him some action.

Sam Doss, Jr., 61, had been battling brain cancer. Antonio McDyess will start in Wallace’s place. It’s the third time in the last four years that Wallace has lost a close relative midseason. If you have daily transactions, take Big Ben out of your lineup.

They’re needed. The Pistons have been rather inept defensively without Wallace’s presence and energy in the middle.

Wallace is expected to wear a special brace to protect a strained MCL in his left knee. He has worked out privately for two straight days.

Coach Larry Brown said yesterday that he thought Wallace would be ready to go, but it looks like he’ll be a game-time decision.

Ben Wallace, Mehmet Okur, Tayshaun Prince, Richard Hamilton and Chauncey Billups average 25.6 years. Add lottery pick Darko Milicic, and coach Larry Brown has the makings of an exciting but experienced young team that will do more running and de-emphasize the 3-pointer.

Wallace aggravated a sprained left ankle in Sunday’s game. He’ll take treatment all day and should be safe to keep active.

There was no break, but Wallace was left with a nasty knot. Later in the same game, Wallace wrenched his back when Shaq hip-checked him. He left briefly but returned. ''It’s been a little rough, but it ain’t nothing I can’t live with,’' Wallace said.

Wallace is averaging 9.1 boards in that span, compared to 15.0 over his previous seven games. Part of the problem is the Pistons blowing teams out, meaning Wallace gets to rest on the bench. The other issue is the rebounding contributions of Rasheed Wallace and Mehmet Okur -- good for the team, not good for Big Ben’s fantasy value.

The big man is still going to play.