Pistons guard Reggie Jackson could be out six to eight weeks with a knee injury, coach Stan Van Gundy told reporters Wednesday.
Van Gundy said surgery is unlikely but it will be up to Jackson to decide the next course of action. He also added that Jackson is very likely to miss at least the first four preseason games.
The Pistons open preason play on Thursday at Brooklyn.
After missing Tuesday's open practice, Jackson told reporters he's been battling tendinitis in his left knee for years.
"He's also got a bone bruise in there now which would've required him to have some rest, anyway, but the tendinitis is a problem that keeps recurring," Stan Van Gundy said Wednesday. "He's got several options. As you would expect, some of the options that are best long term will take longer in terms of (rehabilitation) time."
Ish Smith is expected to start at point guard in Jackson's place and the team is not expected to make any significant roster moves in the meantime.
"It would be tough for us to do something," Van Gundy said. "We either have to make a trade or cut somebody with a guaranteed contract...I don't think there's a big-ticket move out there for us and I don't think we're going to blow up everything long term for a month or less of games."
Jackson is coming off a season where he averaged a career-best 18.8 PPG.
