Struggling point guard Chauncey Billups will be on a shorter leash against Boston in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday night, according to The Detroit Free Press.

Unlike in the past, the Pistons know they have a capable backup in rookie guard Rodney Stuckey.

His injured hamstring has played a large role in his struggles, but he refuses to use that as an excuse.

"I don't want it to be an issue," Billups said. "As much as it is, I don't want it to be. The bottom line is I've got to play better. We've got to play better. Whether it's still hurt or not, I've still gotta play through it ... and that's exactly what I intend on doing."

As seasoned a player as Billups is, coach Flip Saunders confirmed that the former NBA Finals MVP will have a shorter leash in Game Four.

"It's a leash to make sure he can do the things he can do," Saunders said. "At this point, you've got to throw everything out the window and just lay it out on the line."