The Wolves conclude their seven-game preseason schedule tonight at Detroit, with the second half of back-to-back that this time features a formidable, remade Pistons frontline.

Ninety minutes before tonight's game, Rick Adelman still hadn't decided who would start at small forward. He said he was waiting partly to see who the Pistons -- who signed free-agent Josh Smith last summer to put alongside youngster Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond -- started up front.

Ultimately, Adelman started veteran Dante Cunningham after also considering starting Derrick Williams, Shabazz Muhammad or putting Robbie Hummel back there after Hummel started and played 30-plus minutes Monday in Philadelphia.

Ronny Turiaf also started at center in place of Nikola Pekovic, who didn't come out for warmups because of a quad contusion sustained in Philadelphia.

It's just a precaution with the season opener just six days away, I'm told.

Adelman brought Corey Brewer off the bench again, although he said before Thursday's game he has not ruled out Brewer as his starter when the regular season arrives Wednesday against Orlando.

Adelman likes Brewer's energy off the bench, but...

"I really liked him last year with what Denver did and he does give you a lot of energy off the bench," Adelman said.

The difference is the Nuggets started defensive-minded Andre Iguodala against the opponent's best wing player.

The Wolves don't have any other real defensive options at starting small forward other than Brewer.

"Could go either way with it," Adelman said about Brewer's role. "It's something we'll talk about next five days and figure out what's best for the team."