DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons’ 118-112 loss to the Miami Heat on Thursday night at Little Caesars Arena was concerning not just for the scoreboard, but for the team’s growing injury report, which continues to cast a shadow over their promising 2025-2026 campaign.

Center Jalen Duren, Detroit’s second-leading scorer, became the focal point of concern after exiting the game twice due to a right ankle sprain, with the second exit ultimately ending his night and leaving the Pistons shorthanded in the paint.

The injury occurred in the closing minutes of the first half, when Duren drove to the basket and rolled his ankle without making contact with any Miami defenders, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of basketball injuries even in uncontested situations.

Remarkably, Duren completed the basket on that play and stayed on the court for three more offensive possessions, including finishing an alley-oop from Jaden Ivey, before exiting in the final minute of the first half to head to the locker room.

Duren returned at the start of the second half, showing determination to continue, but lasted only slightly over three minutes before checking out for good, with the Pistons announcing that he would not return for the remainder of the game.

Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff addressed the situation postgame, explaining that Duren “wanted to give it a go and see how he felt, but just didn’t feel that he could do the things that he needed to do,” highlighting the player’s commitment despite injury concerns.

Bickerstaff added that no additional information on the severity of Duren’s sprain was immediately available, but that the team expected more clarity in the coming days, leaving fans and the organization anxious about the potential impact on upcoming games.

This incident marks the second time this season Duren has dealt with a right ankle sprain, following a prior injury that caused him to miss two games in November, underscoring an emerging pattern of recurring lower-body issues.

While the exact prognosis remains uncertain, Duren’s absence adds to a growing injury report for the Pistons, which already included key veterans Tobias Harris and Caris LeVert, each sidelined with their own ailments during Thursday night’s game.

The consequences of Duren’s exit were immediately visible on the court, as Detroit struggled to control the glass, losing the rebound battle 47-41 to Miami, marking only the seventh time this season the Pistons have been out-rebounded by an opponent.

Duren had been enjoying a breakout 2025-2026 campaign, taking major steps forward in his development after a successful 2024-2025 season, now averaging a career-best 18.1 points per game, 10.8 rebounds, and nearly a block per game for the first-place Pistons.

Any extended absence for Duren would create a significant challenge for Detroit, as he provides both scoring and defensive stability in the paint, and his absence could impact the team’s performance on both ends of the floor.

The Pistons face a critical stretch of the schedule this month, including marquee matchups against the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, and Houston Rockets, making the potential loss of Duren all the more concerning for a team aiming to maintain its top position.

Detroit’s coaching staff and medical team will need to closely monitor Duren’s recovery, balancing the urgency of upcoming contests with the long-term health of one of the franchise’s most important young players, as his contributions remain central to the team’s championship aspirations.

As the Pistons continue to navigate injuries, the resilience of their bench and supporting cast will be tested, highlighting the importance of depth in a season where maintaining health is as critical as executing on the court.

For fans, the situation serves as a reminder of the thin margins in professional basketball, where one player’s injury can shift momentum, affect strategy, and alter expectations for a team chasing playoff positioning in a competitive Eastern Conference.