Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

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 (X 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 Pistons have lost 18 straight games and are currently 2-19, which is the worst record in the NBA.

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