The Pistons were counting on their bench to earn more minutes the hard way this season. That’s not how it’s unfolding. Early injuries are handing out opportunities instead, with Jalen Duren already ruled out for tonight’s game because of a hamstring injury and Ausar Thompson listed as questionable after twisting his ankle.
That puts Detroit in a bind before it even tips off against a 76ers team that has started 3-0, though Philadelphia comes in with its own depth concerns after playing the Bucks last night.
The biggest loss so far is Duren, and the Pistons don’t have much center depth to lean on behind him. That becomes especially tricky if Joel Embiid suits up after going for a 28-point triple double last night and playing 36 minutes. Philadelphia could choose to sit him on the second night of a back-to-back; LeBron James didn’t play last night, so Embiid resting tonight is at least on the table.
If Embiid does play, Detroit’s smaller lineup has to make him work for every touch. Paul Reed will need to run the floor hard after defensive rebounds, drag Embiid into movement and try to wear him down.
The same idea applies to John Collins and maybe even Tolu Smith, all of whom are undersized but bring more quickness. The Pistons don’t have a true answer for Embiid’s size, so the mission is to turn the game into a grind for him.
If Thompson can’t go, the minutes at his spot likely fall to Kevin Huerter, Javonte Green or Ron Holland II. Holland already showed some bounce-back in game two after logging only three minutes in the opener, but a larger role comes with a different level of responsibility. He’ll have to clean up the fouls and stay under control.
Detroit also has to protect the ball. Turnovers would only fuel Philadelphia’s transition game and make a difficult matchup even worse.
It’s hardly the script the Pistons wanted, but the backups are about to get real work against one of the Eastern Conference favorites. If Detroit can steal a road win while missing two starters, it would be a major confidence boost. And if the injuries remain minor, at least the silver lining is clear: the guys behind them are getting a chance to prove they belong.
In Other News...
Pistons Enter Key 76ers Test With One Big Availability Concern
The Pistons head into Sunday nights meeting with Philadelphia carrying a familiar early-season balancing act: another chance to measure themselves against a team missing Joel Embiid, but also a reminder that Detroits own frontcourt remains a work in progress. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m., with the game airing locally on TV20 Detroit and streaming on Fubo and DAZN, giving the Pistons a clear spotlight as they try to build momentum in a game that still matters even without one of the leagues biggest names on the other side.
Detroits injury report is the bigger concern here, with Jalen Duren ruled out and Ausar Thompson questionable as the Pistons try to sort out their rotation. LeBron James is expected to return after sitting out the previous game, which at least gives Detroit another piece it can count on, but the available lineup still leaves the team with some important decisions to make before it faces a Sixers group trying to navigate its own absence. [Read more 🡒]
Pistons Face A Tough Stretch Without Jalen Duren
The Pistons are bracing for a short-handed stretch in the middle of the season after Jalen Duren went down with a right hamstring strain in the game against the Miami Heat. Detroit expects the young center to miss at least two weeks before the team takes another look at his condition, a setback that comes at a spot where his size and energy have become important to the rotation.
John Collins and Paul Reed are in line to handle the center minutes while Duren is out, giving the Pistons a different look in the frontcourt for now. How well that tandem holds up could shape how smoothly Detroit gets through the next stretch, especially with Duren's timeline still needing another evaluation before a clearer return date comes into focus. [Read more 🡒]
Pistons Suddenly Face An Early Test After Jalen Duren Setback
The Pistons fast start has already run into an early reality check. After opening the season with two wins, Detroit now has to manage at least the next two weeks without Jalen Duren, who is expected to sit with a right hamstring strain he suffered against the Miami Heat.
Duren had just locked in his place as a franchise cornerstone with a five-year, $200 million extension after a breakout regular season, so his absence lands as more than a routine injury note. Paul Reed has already taken on a larger role in Durens absence, and coach JB Bickerstaff is now sorting through lineup options while the Pistons try to keep their momentum intact. [Read more 🡒]