7:30pm: The Pistons announced in a press release that Duren underwent an MRI on Thursday which confirmed the sprained ankle. He’s out at least two weeks, which is when he’ll be reevaluated, per the team.
6:40pm: Pistons starting center Jalen Duren is expected to be sidelined for the next two weeks after spraining his left ankle in Wednesday’s loss to Memphis, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link).
It’s a tough setback for Duren, who missed seven games last month due to a right ankle injury. With the 2022 lottery pick out, fellow big men like Isaiah Stewart, Marvin Bagley III and James Wiseman could receive more playing time.
Duren has been effective when healthy in his second season, averaging 12.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.4 blocks in 28.9 minutes per night. He has posted 10 double-doubles in his 14 appearances.
Injuries have been a major issue for the Pistons in 2023/24, with Duren, Bojan Bogdanovic, Isaiah Livers, Monte Morris and Joe Harris among the players missing significant time. Bogdanovic recently made his season debut after dealing with a calf strain, while Morris (quad) is unlikely to suit up until 2024.
It’s been a disappointing season for Detroit, which hoped to take a step forward in its rebuild. Instead, the team has lost 18 straight games and is currently 2-19 — that’s the worst record in the NBA.
Start Wiseman
Stop it. Monty will
I don’t want to see Stewart or Hayes playing center.
Bagley is supposed to be back