The Detroit Pistons entered their Thursday night game against the Miami Heat with a shorthanded lineup.
Unfortunately, as they reached the second half of the game, the team ruled out its starting center, Jalen Duren, adding to the list of injury concerns in the new year.
A right ankle sprain is the early diagnosis for Duren, who checked out before the two teams entered the halftime intermission. As the second half played out, Duren called it a night.
Pistons say Jalen Duren (Right Ankle Sprain) will not return vs. Miami.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) January 2, 2026
Duren left the court after 18 minutes played. The veteran center shot 6-12 from the field, producing 12 points. He also came down with five rebounds and snatched up a steal.
When the Pistons ruled out Duren officially, they trailed by double-digits against the 18-15 Heat. The Pistons have won seven of their last 10 games, looking to pick up their 26th win of the season.
Despite the result of Thursday’s action between Detroit and Miami, the Pistons will have some important questions moving forward.
Heading into the game, the Pistons had three players on the report dealing with injuries. The second-year forward Bobi Klintman is out with a left adductor strain.
The veteran Caris LeVert is dealing with left knee inflammation, which had him ruled out early. The starting forward, Tobias Harris, suffered a hip sprain during Detroit’s last outing. He was initially questionable, but ultimately ruled out for the first set of action in 2026.
Duren has been one of the Pistons’ star performers this year. Heading into Thursday’s game, the veteran center has seen the court for 28.7 minutes per game in 30 matchups.
The big man has made 63.8 percent of his shots from the field, putting up a career-high 18.1 points per game. He is averaging a double-double with 10.8 rebounds.
After Thursday’s action, the Pistons will return to the court on Sunday for an afternoon matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road.