Isaiah

Stewart

Duren is the lone Pistons regular on the injury report for Sunday’s regular-season finale, even though Detroit’s playoff seeding won’t be affected by the outcome. Isaiah Stewart is available, but most of Duren’s minutes may be absorbed by Paul Reed, as Beef Stew only recently returned from a strained calf.

Back in the Pistons’ rotation after a 13-game absence with a strained calf, Stewart played 11 minutes off the bench on Wednesday. He didn’t miss a shot against the Bucks, and while the rebounding production was underwhelming, Beef Stew’s mere presence on the court makes a difference for the Pistons. Paul Reed played 10 minutes, finishing with 10 points, three rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot. Wednesday’s game was one the Pistons won comfortably, which likely impacted Stewart’s minutes. But the focus is on ensuring he’s sharp for the playoffs, which begin on April 18.

After missing 13 games, Stewart’s return comes with three games left before the NBA playoffs. For the Eastern Conference’s first-seeded Pistons, the short runway to the postseason gives Stewart a few games to return to form as a defensive presence in the interior. He’s averaging 10.0 points and 5.1 rebounds as well, while starting 13 of his 55 games this year.

Stewart is closing in on a return to action after having last played on March 13. It would be optimal for him and the Pistons to get in some game action before the playoffs. Paul Reed may lose out on some playing time, but it’s highly unlikely that Beef Stew would take on a full workload immediately.

Stewart was initially ruled out for this game but was upgraded to doubtful Monday afternoon. He has now been ruled out again. Paul Reed will continue to fill out the backup center minutes, though Stewart appears to be getting closer to a return.

Stewart, who last appeared in a game on March 13, was initially ruled out for Monday’s game. Paul Reed will lose out on some minutes if Beef Stew returns, but the Pistons are locked into the top seed in the East. If cleared during the regular season, Stewart may only play enough to shake off the rust ahead of the playoffs.

Stewart has not appeared in a game since March 13, and that won’t change on Monday. Paul Reed will continue to take on the backup center responsibilities, making him a worthwhile option in deep leagues.

Stewart remains out for another game, which means that Paul Reed will continue to serve as Jalen Duren’s backup.

Duren is expected to return following a one-game absence, and he should push Paul Reed back to the bench. Reed was productive in Monday’s spot start, but he should still see meaningful rotation minutes with Stewart still out of action.

Duren is unlikely to play Monday against the Thunder as he’s listed as doubtful due to right knee injury management. With Isaiah Stewart still sidelined, Paul Reed should start and have a big role against the Thunder, but the potential for a blowout takes some of the steam from his streaming appeal.