On most NBA teams, it might classify as full-fledged frustration. On the Pistons, the grumbles coming from the bench players are laced with understanding and acceptance.

More than anything, they're happy the team is winning, with a 13-2 record being the best in the NBA. But they also admit they're often baffled by coach Flip Saunders' rotations.

Sometimes forward Antonio McDyess plays with the starters, as he did Saturday against the Chicago Bulls. Other nights, he plays only with the reserves. Sometimes he's the first player off the bench. Other days, that honor goes to Carlos Arroyo or Maurice Evans.

Sometimes game situations call for one thing, like Dale Davis' physical play inside. Saunders will say as much before a game -- only to leave Davis on the bench.

"It's a tough position right now because we don't know really what to expect," said Evans, a swingman. "It just makes it hard to be as productive as possible when you really don't know what your minutes are going to be like."

But Evans added: "The thing is, we're winning, and no one wants to look like they're not happy. I really am happy that we're winning."