The Detroit Pistons take on the Charlotte Hornets for their seventh game of the season. They hope to extend their lead atop the Eastern Conference by improving to 6-1. But they are going to have to do it short-handed once again.
Jalen Duren & Isaiah Joe Out for Pistons, Kon Knueppel Out for Hornets
Heading into 7.30 pm EST tipoff in Charlotte, the Pistons have designated Jalen Duren and Isaiah Joe as out for the game.
Joe's absence is particularly surprising. He has been questionable to play leading up to each of the last three games with a hip contusion. He has been participating in shootarounds, but has yet to make his return after suffering the injury against the Sixers on October 25.
Without Joe, the Pistons will rely on Daniss Jenkins and Kevin Huerter to play more minutes than usual off the bench. Javonte Green could also see an extended run.
Duren's absence, on the other hand, doesn't come as a surprise. The All-Star center suffered the injury on October 23rd and was subsequently ruled out for two weeks. He will be re-evaluated later this week. Barring an unexpected setback, Duren should only miss a few more games.
In his stead, Paul Reed will continue to get the start. He will play as many minutes as he can handle. John Collins will play some small-ball center, while Tolu Smith should get a few minutes off the bench,
For the Hornets, second-year sharpshooter Kon Knueppel remains out with a left hamstring strain. He was assigned to the G League affiliate last week, signaling his looming return. Many wondered whether he would be available on Monday to make his season debut, but Hornets fans will have to wait a little longer to see their future star in action.
The good news for the Hornets is that Coby White will make his season debut after missing the first seven games of the season with a calf injury. He will presumably get the start in the backcourt and help relieve Brandon Miller's shot creation burden.
Grant Williams is the only other Hornet on the injury report, listed as out with a hamstring strain.
The Hornets and the Pistons faced off last Wednesday, and Detroit came away with the comeback win, extending their winning streak against Charlotte to six. The Hornets, sitting at 3-4, hope to win against the Pistons for the first time since November 2024.
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