Pistons’ Jalen Duren not only out vs. 76ers, but hamstring injury will force him out weeks

Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesPistons’ Jalen Duren not only out vs. 76ers, but hamstring injury will force him out weeks appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

>After claiming the No. 1 seed in the East last season, the Detroit Pistons have picked up where they left off in the regular season by winning their first two games. They followed up their huge 22-point comeback over the Boston Celtics with a decisive victory over the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Miami Heat.

>However, the Pistons have been dealt their first big setback of the new season: All-NBA center Jalen Duren is set to be sidelined for at least two weeks due to a right hamstring strain.

>Duren picked up the injury during the second quarter of their win over the Heat. He had already been ruled out for their upcoming game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

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>Duren was in the middle of a prolonged contract saga in the offseason. After a breakout regular season where he averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds and made 3rd Team All-NBA, he was in line for getting a max contract extension worth over $280 million.

>However, he struggled mightily in the playoffs, averaging just 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds over 14 games. That led to the Pistons offering him less than the max. As a result, Duren took his time signing an extension. In the end, though, he agreed to a five-year, $200 million deal.

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>Duren had 22 points and nine rebounds in 28 minutes in his lone full game of the new season against the Celtics. After he left early against the Heat, backup Paul Reed got more playing time and delivered a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double. It remains to be seen whether Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff will decide to start Reed as a direct replacement for Duren or if he will opt for a smaller lineup.

>Related: John Collins details Pistons’ key strength in win over Heat

>Related: Malik Beasley reportedly plans to plead guilty in federal NBA gambling case