Sore shoulder sidelines Pistons' Ben Gordon indefinitely

Auburn Hills— Pistons guard Ben Gordon had been playing with two injured shoulders since the season began, but heard — and felt — a different sound a week ago against Memphis.

Normally someone who plays through pain, he couldn't keep it to himself any longer, going to strength and conditioning coach Arnie Kander.

"I asked Arnie for an MRI the next morning," Gordon said. "It turns out to be a good decision, with a few tears."

The left shoulder is more severe than his right but Gordon said it'll get better with rest and he hopes to be back soon. He's not sure if he'll accompany the team on its four-game-in-five-night trip starting tomorrow in Philadelphia.

"I thought it was something I could play through, with a little soreness," Gordon said. "I tried to shake it off. Especially with this kind of season, it wouldn't have been an issue."

Whenever he ran through a screen, you could see Gordon stretching out his shoulder. Looking around the league, seeing fellow players suffering season-ending injuries played a part in his decision to take care of his body.

"It's hard to get rest," Gordon said. "You see guys going through the same things. I don't know if the compressed games is the reason, but it's certainly not helping."

With Gordon, Will Bynum (foot), and Charlie Villanueva (ankle) out, Pistons coach Lawrence Frank said he doesn't have any grand plan for this rigorous trip, culminating with three games in three nights beginning Sunday.

"I think you just have to focus on the game, especially when you're shorthanded," Frank said. "You just try to win that game and worry about the rest later. If a guy is playing well, you ride him. If he's struggling, you get him out of there."

Tayshaun Prince (family matter) also missed shootaround and his status for Friday's game against Atlanta is unknown.

vgoodwill@detnews.com