Injuries are beginning to pile up across the NBA, with Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama dominating headlines over the past week.
Now, the spotlight shifts to the Detroit Pistons, who are facing growing concern around star center Jalen Duren.
Detroit’s encouraging early-season momentum has recently been clouded by uncertainty, a feeling that intensified following Thursday night’s 118-112 loss to the Miami Heat.
Despite still holding the top spot in the Eastern Conference, the Pistons have now dropped three of their last four games, slipping to a 25-9 record.
That concern deepened when Duren exited the loss to Miami after suffering a right ankle sprain. He left the game twice and his immediate availability is now unclear, adding another layer of anxiety for a team already navigating inconsistency.
Detroit Pistons Injury Report: Duren’s Injury Adds to Growing Concerns
Duren rolled his ankle late in the first-half while driving to the basket. He finished the play and remained on the floor for several more possessions, but it quickly became apparent the issue was more serious, prompting his exit.
The 22-year-returned to start the third quarter but lasted only a few minutes before heading back to the locker room, where he was later ruled out for the remainder of the game.
“He wanted to give it a go and see how he felt, but just didn’t feel that he could do the things that he needed to do,” head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said postgame, via MLive. “I don’t have any information yet. I’ll get more information in the next couple days.”
The timing could hardly be worse. Detroit’s depth has already been tested, with Tobias Harris sidelined by a left hip sprain and Caris LeVert out due to left knee inflammation.
Without Duren anchoring the interior, the Pistons lose a critical source of rebounding, rim protection, and efficient scoring in the paint.
Detroit Faces Test of Depth and Stability
Before leaving the game for good, Duren recorded 12 points on 6-of-12 shooting, along with five rebounds and a steal. This marks the second time this season he has dealt with a right ankle sprain, after a similar issue caused him to miss two games in November.
Ankle injuries can vary widely in severity, particularly for centers whose effectiveness depends on balance and mobility. Even a short absence could disrupt Detroit’s rhythm, while a longer layoff would force difficult rotation adjustments.
The Pistons are expected to proceed cautiously with a player widely viewed as a foundational piece.
Through 31 games this season, Duren is averaging a career-high 17.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 63.3% from the field. His 127 offensive rebounds rank third in the NBA, trailing only Rudy Gobert and Donovan Clingan, highlighting his importance to Detroit’s frontcourt.
The New York Knicks sit just 1.5 games behind Detroit in the standings, with the Boston Celtics also within striking distance. With matchups against both looming during this coming month, any extended absence for Duren could have significant implications for the Pistons’ grip on the conference lead.
For now, Detroit awaits further evaluation, hoping the setback proves minor. Duren’s development remains one of the franchise’s most encouraging storylines, and his presence continues to be central to maintaining both stability and momentum moving forward.
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