The battle between the Detroit Pistons and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, March 30, will be a clash between the NBA’s top seeds.
Unfortunately for the Pistons, they are on pace to miss both of their All-Stars.
The veteran center Jalen Duren is the player in question.
According to the Pistons’ official injury report, Duren has been listed as doubtful against the Thunder.
As he deals with a right knee injury, the Pistons are managing his setback ahead of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Therefore, he is on pace to get a night off.
*UPDATE at 2 PM ET: Jalen Duren has been downgraded to OUT vs. OKC Thunder on Monday night.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 24: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons is ejected after being issued a Flagrant 2 foul call against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on October 24, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Duren hasn’t missed a game for the Pistons in quite some time. The last time he sat out was during a February 19 matchup against the New York Knicks. At the time, Duren missed his second-straight game.
The veteran center returned to the court in the following game against the Chicago Bulls. He checked in for 28 minutes, scoring 26 points and producing 13 rebounds. The Pistons took care of business with a 126-110 win.
Since then, Duren has been on the court for all 19 games. Despite being on the injury report for the recent March 28 game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Duren managed to play, checking in for 29 minutes.
It was a quiet offensive showing for Duren, as he took just seven shots from the field. The veteran produced 10 points. Still, he racked up a double-double by coming down with 13 rebounds. He also produced five assists.
The Pistons defeated the Timberwolves 109-87.
Where The Pistons Rank Before Facing The NBA Champions
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 15: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons grabs a first half rebound while playing the Phoenix Suns at Little Caesars Arena on January 15, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Pistons are the top team in the Eastern Conference and have been for most of the 2025-2026 NBA season.
Heading into Monday’s action, the Pistons hold a 54-20 record. They are 4.0 games ahead of the Boston Celtics.
Recently, the Pistons dealt with some notable losses due to injuries. Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart haven’t been on the court. Yet, the Pistons remain one of the hottest teams in the conference. Over the last 10 games, the Pistons are 8-2.
If Duren doesn’t get the nod to play on Monday, then his next opportunity to compete will come on Tuesday, when the Pistons host the Toronto Raptors.