"T.J. Ford won't spend the rest of the season on the Indiana Pacers' bench after all.

Ford will end his 18-game hiatus when he backs up emergency starter A.J. Price against the Detroit Pistons tonight.

Price is replacing Earl Watson, who will miss games tonight and Saturday at Milwaukee because of the death of his grandmother.

"It's been tough," Ford said. "You want to play any time you're on the roster. It's a waiting game and it's out of my control. I just try to do the best I can to stay in shape and work on my game."

Ford began the season as the starter but was taken out of the rotation Dec. 30 because of his season-long struggles. He is averaging 9.9 points, including 1-of-28 on 3-pointers, and a career-low 3.6 assists in 31 games.

Coach Jim O'Brien likes Watson's leadership skills and wanted to see if Price had what it takes to fit into the team's future.

Ford kept a professional attitude in practice, the locker room and on the bench. He acknowledges this was one of the toughest stretches in his career.

"I just depended on myself, my hard work, my hard drive," Ford said. "My determination that I have. I wasn't depending on anybody mentally to make sure I got things done."