The Detroit Pistons are facing a tough challenge Thursday night against the Washington Wizards - and they’ll have to tackle it without their All-Star big man. Jalen Duren exited the game early due to soreness in his right knee and has been ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
Duren logged just 13 minutes before heading to the bench, finishing with four points and three rebounds. It’s a tough blow considering the momentum he was carrying into the matchup. Just two nights ago, he put together a monster performance in a 124-121 win over the Denver Nuggets, racking up 19 points and 13 boards in a game that showcased exactly why he’s become such a key piece of Detroit’s young core.
Now, the Pistons are holding their breath. There’s no official word yet on the severity of Duren’s knee issue, but any extended absence would be a major setback.
At just 22, Duren has become a cornerstone for Detroit - a physical presence in the paint who complements Cade Cunningham’s perimeter game with power, touch, and relentless energy down low. Together, they’ve formed one of the most promising inside-out duos in the league.
Duren’s breakout season earned him his first All-Star selection, a milestone he didn’t take lightly. The pride was clear when the announcement came - and with the midseason classic just around the corner in Los Angeles, the hope is that this knee soreness won’t keep him from suiting up on one of the league’s biggest stages.
As for the game itself, the Pistons trailed the Wizards 95-84 heading into the fourth quarter. Cunningham has been doing his part, putting up 19 points, six rebounds, and six assists, though he’s also turned it over five times. Without Duren’s presence in the paint, Detroit is trying to find answers on the fly.
The Pistons came into the night riding a three-game win streak and sitting at 37-12 - a record that’s turned plenty of heads around the league. But if Duren’s knee issue lingers, Detroit’s depth and resilience are about to be tested in a big way.