Pistons Announce Jalen Duren Injury Update After Lakers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Hudson | Last updated Mar 25, 2026 3:24 PM ET

As the Detroit Pistons prepare for their matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, there are encouraging updates on player availability. Detroit has put together an impressive season, climbing to the top seed in the Eastern Conference behind a strong, balanced roster filled with young talent.

The group has consistently performed at a high level and appears capable of making a deep postseason run if it maintains its current form.

Injuries have presented challenges, most notably the loss of star guard Cade Cunningham, who is sidelined with a collapsed lung.

This is bad news for the Pistons as star center Jalen Duren was added to the injury update and is listed as probable as he works through right knee soreness, while Tobias Harris is also trending in the right direction after dealing with left hip soreness. (h/t Hunter Patterson of The Athletic)

Jalen Duren (right knee soreness) and Tobias Harris (left hip soreness) have been added to the injury report and are both probable.

Sasser has been downgraded to out. https://t.co/hnK5LoRFJU
— Hunter Patterson (@HunterPatterson) March 25, 2026

This will hurt the Pistons, now that both of their starters are on the injury report, as this will be bad for the team if they both don't play this game.

Duren has been outstanding this season, averaging 19.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists across 61 games while shooting 64.1% from the field and 73.7% from the free-throw line. His size and strength make him a dominant rebounder, an efficient finisher at the rim, and a constant threat in the pick-and-roll.

With Cunningham out for the season, Dennis Jenkins has stepped in as the primary point guard and delivered strong performances. Over the past two games, he has averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 8.0 assists while shooting 60% from the field and 62.5% from 3-point range. Carrying that momentum into the postseason could be crucial for Detroit.

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) looks on during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. © Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

A former Memphis standout and the No. 13 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Duren has developed into one of the league’s premier young centers. Originally drafted by the Charlotte Hornets before landing in Detroit, he earned All-Rookie honors and secured his first All-Star selection this season.

His rapid growth has positioned him as a cornerstone for the Pistons’ future, with his production and presence signaling long-term success for the franchise.

He is currently on a four-year, $19.47 million rookie contract that runs through the 2025-26 season. As he continues to elevate his play, he is expected to command a significant payday in the offseason, potentially earning a max-level deal. Detroit appears committed to keeping him as a foundational piece moving forward.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: