Detroit tests its frontcourt without Duren
Paul Reed started at center and recorded 10 points, seven rebounds and three assists in Detroit’s 109–107 preseason win over Phoenix, while Jalen Duren did not play at Little Caesars Arena on October 5 US time, October 6 in the Philippines.
The NBA box score lists Duren as a did-not-play coaching decision. Detroit Bad Boys reported that he was being brought along after missing the start of training camp. His absence from this game should not be recast as a newly confirmed injury.
Reed played 20 minutes and 40 seconds, adding a steal and a block. He made all six of his free throws, a useful contribution in a close game in which Detroit finished only 26 for 41 at the line.
John Collins joined Reed in the starting frontcourt and scored 10 points on five-of-seven shooting. Collins also collected three rebounds and two steals in 16 minutes and 42 seconds. Ausar Thompson, Duncan Robinson and Cade Cunningham completed the starting five.
The Pistons’ opening lineup did not dictate the closing group. Reserve players drove much of the comeback from an 18-point halftime deficit, and rookie Ebuka Okorie supplied the decisive late basket.
For Detroit, the night provided minutes for alternative frontcourt combinations while Duren remained out of game action. Reed’s start is confirmed for this preseason contest; it does not, by itself, indicate a permanent change to the team’s regular-season center position.