Greg Monroe returned from his ankle injury on Friday with a double-double of 14 points and 10 boards, adding four assists and one steal in 34 minutes against the Mavericks.

He missed Wednesday's game and it's somewhat surprising to see him play 34 minutes after he could barely walk on Wednesday. Monroe should be starting in all leagues, but the Pistons do have one of the worst remaining schedules the rest of the way.

Greg Monroe (ankle) participated in shootaround but remains a game-time decision on Friday.

Monroe said on Thursday that he expected to play, but he'll have to show no signs of swelling or anything like that in order to suit up. We think he'll give it a go considering he went through shootaround and was previously optimistic, but official word won't come until about 60 minutes before tipoff. If he sits, Jason Maxiell would start at center again.

Greg Monroe tweaked his ankle at the end of Tuesday's practice.

Now we know when Monroe injured himself, but that won't help fantasy owners feel any better. He's unable to put any pressure on the ankle currently, and with the Pistons playing Friday, Sunday and Monday, Monroe will enter the weekend very questionable for all three games. Jason Maxiell and Jonas Jerebko will soak up playing time while Monroe and Charlie Villanueva (hamstring) are out, but the Pistons will also use small lineups at times to compensate.