The Detroit Pistons are off to a red-hot start, defeating three Eastern Conference title hopefuls in the first week of the season. It's clear that the Pistons will once again be one of the best teams in the league and should be considered the favorite to finish with the best record in the East.
Unfortunately, it's not all sunshine and rainbows in Detroit. Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson missed Sunday's clash against the Sixers with a hamstring strain and an ankle sprain, respectively. Then, they lost Isaiah Joe to a hip contusion during the game.
Despite the piling up of injuries, the Pistons have enough depth and talent to keep winning. They have embraced the "next man up" mentality as much as any team in the league. Plus, Joe's and Thompson's injuries don't look particularly concerning.
What is a little more worrisome is Duren. The team announced that he will be re-evaluated in two weeks after suffering a right hamstring strain.
How much time will Jalen Duren miss?
This shouldn't be interpreted as meaning he will be back in exactly two weeks. Hamstrings are notoriously tricky. These issues can linger for a long time, especially when not given the proper time to heal.
Brian Sutterer, MD, highlighted on X that the average missed time for a hamstring injury that had the designation "re-evaluated in two weeks" is 2.3 weeks. This corresponds to about seven games. We can also expect Duren to be on a minutes restriction immediately upon his return, especially given that he was just getting back to game shape at the start of the season.
The Pistons have Paul Reed, who will step into a large role right away. He showcased what he is capable of in extended minutes since Duren exited the game in Miami. On Sunday, he put up eight points, eight rebounds, and three blocks in 23 minutes against Philadelphia.
Tolu Smith has to make the most of this opportunity
The problem is that Isaiah Stewart is no longer here. This means that it has to be Tolu Smith who has to step up and play backup center minutes. But he clearly doesn't have the full trust of JB Bickerstaff. Even without Duren, Smith only got three minutes against the Sixers.
Instead, John Collins played significant minutes at center. This small-ball group gives the Pistons a more mobile and dynamic look.
But the Pistons don't have a traditional backup power forward who can take on the minutes Collins leaves behind when he moves to center. Ron Holland and Javonte Green will end up playing more minutes and having to guard bigger players, but this carries the risk of hurting Detroit's defense, especially if Ausar Thompson misses more time.
If the Pistons don't trust Tolu Smith to play limited minutes off the bench, even with Duren out, then there is no reason to waste a roster spot on the 26-year-old big man. This is an excellent opportunity for Smith, who can establish himself as a rotation-caliber NBA player.
Detroit can win games regardless of who is on the injury report. Duren's absence shouldn't be too big a deal, especially if he comes back within the two-week timeline. If he misses more time, however, then the Pistons may have to consider upgrading the third-string center spot.
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