Jalen

Duren

Duren had at least 25 points and at least 13 rebounds in four consecutive games entering play Sunday. While the 22-year-old center’s numbers weren’t quite that good, they were still good enough for a double-double. Duren has provided first-round per game value over the last two weeks.

Having earned his first All-Star Game selection this season, Duren has been outstanding for the team with the NBA’s best record. He extended his double-double streak to four games in Friday’s overtime victory, with the 33 points matching Duren’s season-high. The Pistons end Week 18 with a road game against the Magic on Sunday.

The Pistons’ two All-Stars did what players of their caliber are expected to do, with Duren and Cade Cunningham combining to score 58 points. Both recorded double-doubles, with the former notching his 27th of the season. Since returning from his two-game suspension, Duren has averaged 26.7 points, 14.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 68 percent from the field. The Pistons end Week 18 with games on Friday and Sunday against the Cavaliers and Magic.

While the Pistons struggled as a whole in Monday’s 11-point loss to the Spurs, Duren managed to have a great fantasy game. The 22-year-old center had 25 points on 13 field goal attempts and 14 rebounds. He’s provided second-round per game value over the last two weeks. Duren and the Pistons will take on the Thunder at home on Wednesday.

Duren has been one of the most improved players in the entire league this season, making a significant leap from a scoring standpoint, averaging 17.8 points through 45 games after mustering just 11.8 per-game last year. The 22-year-old big man topped the 20-point mark for the 15th time this season, accomplishing the feat in four of his last seven games since January 29. The Pistons will attempt to keep their win streak alive when they face the Spurs on Monday before closing out a busy four-game week with showdowns against the Thunder, Cavaliers and Magic.

Smith played 18 minutes off the bench in Thursday’s win over the Knicks, serving as Paul Reed’s backup. With Jalen Duren returning from suspension, the Pistons’ center rotation will consist of him and Reed, with Smith likely falling out of the rotation entirely. Smith’s potential absence does not affect fantasy basketball.

Duren was suspended two games for initiating the altercation and fighting, according to a release from the NBA. The 22-year-old center started the altercation with the Hornets by shoving Moussa Diabate in the face with his open hand. Duren will begin serving his suspension Wednesday against the Raptors. He’ll still be able to participate in the All-Star despite his suspension.

Expect some suspensions to be handed out. The brawl started with Duren and Moussa Diabate getting tangled up, and every time it seemed like cooler heads would prevail, things escalated again. Diabate and Miles Bridges were also ejected. This leaves Detroit shorthanded down low. With Tolu Smith in the G League, Paul Reed should fill the center minutes for the remainder of this game.

Duren will be back after a one-game absence, which isn’t surprising since he was initially listed as probable. Isaiah Stewart moved into the starting lineup in his place but will return to playing a reserve role with Duren back.

Duren was not available for Friday’s demolition of the Knicks, as he exited Thursday’s loss to the Wizards with a sore right knee. He’s on track to return in Charlotte, which would push Isaiah Stewart to the bench since Tobias Harris is available.