The Pistons’ last game was on Saturday, January 10. Detroit has had four full days off to rest and recover ahead of a matchup on Thursday vs. the Suns.
Against Phoenix, the Pistons are expected to be at full strength. NBA insiders have reported that starting center Jalen Duren is probable to play on Thursday. He’s missed the last four games due to an ankle sprain. Duren last played on January 1 and has had two weeks to rest and recover. Having Duren back in the lineup is massive for Detroit.
Jalen Duren is probable to play Thursday vs. the Suns
Tobias Harris, Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren are all probable for tomorrow's home game vs Phoenix. And Cade Cunningham isn't listed on the injury report, meaning he's back from a two-game absence.
— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) January 14, 2026
With the 13th pick in the 2022 NBA draft, the Pistons selected Jalen Duren out of Memphis. Duren has appeared in 237 games for Detroit and made 200 starts. He’s been a full-time starter since the 2023-24 season. The 22-year-old has started 31 of the Pistons’ 38 games in 2025-26. However, Duren missed the last four games due to an ankle injury he suffered on January 1. Paul Reed has filled in at center while Jalen Duren has been out.
Luckily, Duren’s injury was not long-term. The big man was seen practicing on Wednesday with the Pistons. NBA insider Omari Sankofa II reported that Duren is probable to play on Thursday vs. the Suns. That is massive for Detroit, which will have a key piece back in the lineup. Jalen Duren is in the midst of a breakout season with the Pistons in 2025-26.
“I hated sitting out…You never want to be the guy watching from the sidelines.”
Jalen Duren speaks on missing the last four games due to an ankle injury and his return to practice. #Pistons pic.twitter.com/5gMuxjuVhn
— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) January 13, 2026
His 17.9 points per game are a new career-high. Additionally, Duren has expanded his game to more than just put-back dunks and easy layups. He worked hard this offseason to tune his jumpshot. That’s allowed Jalen Duren to expand his game to the mid-range and take shots he never would have thought to take in the past. It’s taken Duren time to find himself as an offensive player. The 22-year-old is finally starting to dominate on that end in year four.
Duren’s career-high of 33 points came earlier this season in a 122-110 win vs. the Mavs on November 1. Additionally, Duren has scored 20+ points in 11 of his 31 games so far this season. Having Duren back in the lineup on Thursday is key for Detroit. With the season Jalen Duren is having, Duren is in line for a massive payday. ESPN’s Vince Goodwill reported that Duren could be offered a deal worth five years, $185 million. Similar to what Alperen Sengun was paid by the Rockets.
