Sports

Pistons lose starters Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson to injuries in win over Heat

Nairavoice · Oct 24, 2026 · 6 min read

The Detroit Pistons are on their way to a 2-0 start this season, but may be contending with an injury to one of their All-Stars.

Center Jalen Duren, who is fresh off of a $200 million contract extension signed earlier this month, suffered a right thigh injury Friday, Oct. 23 in a game against the Miami Heat. The Pistons won 128-111.

The injury occurred midway through the second quarter. Duren attempted a spin move past Heat forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, but Duren appeared to tweak something, as he abruptly pulled up and grabbed his leg in apparent discomfort. Duren immediately went to the locker room.

The Pistons declared him questionable to return, but Duren did not play the remainder of the game, which Detroit dominated from the opening tip.

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In his place, backup Paul Reed filled in admirably, perhaps allowing coach J.B. Bickerstaff to exercise caution with Duren’s injury. Reed scored 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting, adding 11 rebounds and 4 assists.

Duren played just 10 minutes and scored 4 points on 2-of-4 shooting, adding 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block and 1 steal.

Duren wasn’t the only Pistons player to suffer an injury Friday night, as forward Ausar Thompson, a first-team All-Defense selection, fell awkwardly on his back, forcing him to the locker room. Thompson played just 19 minutes, recording 4 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds.

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