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The Detroit Pistons are short-handed heading into Thursday night’s game against the Miami Heat.
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Unfortunately, the team ruled out starting center Jalen Duren as they entered the second half of the game, adding to the injury woes of the new year.
Duren’s early diagnosis was a sprained right ankle, which he underwent before the teams went into halftime. The night ended for Durham as the second half concluded.
After 18 minutes of the game, Duren left the field. The veteran center made 6 of 12 shots and scored 12 points. He also had five rebounds and a steal.
When the Pistons officially ruled out Durham, they trailed the Heat by double digits at 18-15. The Pistons have won seven of their past 10 games and are on track to win their 26th of the season.
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Despite the outcome of Thursday’s game between Detroit and Miami, the Pistons will still face some important questions.
Three Pistons players were injured before the game. Sophomore forward Bobby Klintman is out with a strained left adductor muscle.
Veteran Caris LeVert is dealing with left knee inflammation that will keep him out early. Starting forward Tobias Harris suffered a hip sprain in Detroit’s final game. He was initially questioned but ultimately ruled out as a first-rounder in 2026.
Duren is one of the star players for this year’s Pistons. Heading into Thursday’s game, the veteran center was averaging 28.7 minutes in 30 games.
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The big man shot 63.8% from the field and averaged a career-high 18.1 points per game. He averaged a double-double and 10.8 rebounds per game.
After Thursday’s game, the Pistons will return to the court on Sunday for an afternoon game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.