Hunter suspended 10 games

Detroit Pistons guard Lindsey Hunter was suspended 10 games without pay by the NBA on Wednesday after testing positive for phentermine, a banned substance primarily used for weight loss.

“I’m as shocked as anyone,” Hunter said. “It was a diet pill -- we’ve all taken stuff and nothing ever happens.”

Hunter said the pill was prescribed for his wife, Ivy.

“We do that at our house -- if I’ve got a head cold, I might grab one of her pills,” he said. “It was just a bonehead mistake on my part.”

Phentermine is listed as a steroid or performance-enhancing drug under the league’s anti-drug program and brings an automatic 10-game penalty for a first positive test.

Hunter, 36, was averaging 4.6 points, 1.4 assists and 14 minutes as a Pistons reserve.

Hunter began his suspension Wednesday and will lose more than $202,000.

“It’s the league rule, and I have to abide by it,” he said. “I just hope people don’t think I’m out smoking marijuana.”

Pistons Coach Flip Saunders declined to comment on the suspension, saying he wanted Hunter to have a chance to talk first.

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Orlando Magic forward Grant Hill, sidelined for the last three games because of arthritis and a small cyst in his left foot, expects to play tonight against the visiting Chicago Bulls.

Hill, averaging 14.5 points and 4.1 rebounds after being plagued by various injuries in recent years, was sidelined for seven games in February because of a sprained knee.