AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Detroit coach Larry Brown never wanted to miss a game, let alone the rest of the season. Now that the coach's troubled hip is improving, the Pistons have their leader back.
Brown returned to coach practice Thursday, and will be on the bench Friday against the Los Angeles Clippers after a 10-game absence.
"It's great to be back with these guys," Brown said. "This is where I want to be."
CURRY SIDELINED: Chicago Bulls center Eddy Curry was treated Thursday for an irregular heartbeat after staying behind in Charlotte and missing his team's game against Cleveland.
Curry was not scheduled to return to Chicago until Friday, when he is expected to be examined by team doctors.
"You wouldn't be human if you weren't worried about it," coach Scott Skiles said. "He'll be re-examined tomorrow, so we'll just have to wait and see."
The 22-year-old warmed up for Wednesday night's game — which the Bulls won 102-99 — but was a late scratch for what was listed as flu-like symptoms.
The Chicago Tribune reported that Curry spent the game hooked up to a heart monitor having tests performed.
MAGIC SIGN BARRETT: The Orlando Magic signed free agent point guard Andre Barrett to a 10-day contract Thursday, two days after the team learned backup Jameer Nelson will miss at least two weeks with a torn muscle.
The 5-foot-10 Barrett averaged 2.1 points and 1.6 assists in 27 games with the Houston Rockets before he was waived March 19. Also Thursday, the Magic released guard Mark Jones from his 10-day contract.
WEBBER OUT 7 TO 10 DAYS : Philadelphia 76ers forward Chris Webber will miss seven to 10 days after spraining his left shoulder against the Phoenix Suns, the team said Thursday.
Webber was injured Wednesday night in the first half of Phoenix's 116-87 win over the 76ers. Webber said the Sixers team doctor told him at halftime not to return to the game, but he ignored the advice and played anyway. He had 12 points and six rebounds before leaving the game 2:31 into the third quarter.
"I would just say you should always listen to the doctor," Webber said Wednesday night.
The Sixers play Friday night against Dallas and have two home games next week. If Webber misses 10 days, he could return for Philadelphia's game against Boston on April 12.