Pistons stay cautious with Jalen Duren, no promise he plays Wednesday at Minnesota

DETROIT — Oct. 13, 2026 — The Detroit Pistons are still easing Jalen Duren back into game action, and coach J.B. Bickerstaff declined to say whether the center will make his preseason debut in Wednesday’s exhibition at Minnesota.

Passing tests, but no green light yet

Bickerstaff said the team is deliberately being careful so it does not put Duren in a risky spot, while stressing that the big man has done everything the staff has asked of him and has cleared all of the team’s tests. Detroit listed both Duren and Cade Cunningham as day-to-day for rest ahead of the trip, rather than with a specific injury.

If Duren sits again, his last chance to log preseason minutes will come Friday, when the Pistons host the Toronto Raptors to close their exhibition schedule.

Why he is behind

Duren arrived late to training camp after spending the whole offseason unsigned as a restricted free agent while pushing for a better offer from Detroit. He finally accepted a five-year, $200 million contract on Oct. 1, only hours before the team’s qualifying offer was due to expire, and has been working his way into game shape since.

For a club that just committed long-term money to Duren, the bigger goal is having him sharp for the regular season rather than squeezing in exhibition minutes. A short preseason ramp-up means his first real tests could come once the games count, with Detroit leaning on its depth in the frontcourt until then.

Tolu Smith fills the gap

His absence has opened minutes for Tolu Smith, who was promoted to a standard contract in April and now projects as the third-string center. Smith has taken advantage, pulling down 13 rebounds in just 15 minutes against Washington on Saturday.

Wednesday’s game tips at 8 p.m. ET at Target Center. The Timberwolves will again be without Donte DiVincenzo, who is still recovering from the right Achilles tear he suffered during the first round of last spring’s playoffs.