Duren sustained the injury during the Pistons' second outing of the current campaign, a 128-111 victory against the Miami Heat on October 23. Having already been absent for six contests, the center is now expected to sit out at least six additional games while the medical staff monitors his progress.
Recovery progress and team outlook
Despite the extended recovery timeline, there is a positive development regarding the big man's status. The organization noted that Duren has officially been cleared to resume full basketball participation, marking a significant step forward in his return to the court.
The injury comes at a challenging time for the young center, who entered the season with high expectations following the signing of a five-year, $200 million contract extension. Duren enjoyed a breakout campaign last year, posting impressive averages of 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. However, his production saw a dip during the postseason, where he recorded 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds across 14 playoff appearances.
As the Pistons navigate the upcoming stretch of their schedule without their starting center, the focus remains on ensuring Duren reaches full fitness before returning to competitive play. The team will continue to provide updates on his availability as he progresses through the final stages of his rehabilitation program.