Detroit Pistons lose Jalen Duren to Charlotte Hornets due to injury

The Detroit Pistons struggled with a slight injury threat on Wednesday night against the Charlotte Hornets. As the Pistons squared off in the first quarter of the game, senior center Jalen Duren twisted his ankle.

Initially, Duren stayed on the floor for the Pistons, but it wasn't long before he was back in the locker room for the Pistons getting his ankle checked out.

According to the Pistons, Duren will be out for the remainder of the game in Charlotte.

Leading up to Wednesday's game against the Hornets, Duren appeared in all eight of the Pistons' games this year. He averaged 25 minutes per game on the court under first-year Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff.

Compared to his second season, Duren's points total has dropped slightly. He averages nine points per game. On the other hand, Duren shot faster than ever from the field, knocking down 86 percent of his field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring exploits, Duren averaged 11 rebounds per game.

The Pistons have received some impressive performances from their middle group this season. While Duren hasn't had the same scoring rate so far this year, he has improved his game by scoring double-digit points in four of the last six games.

Behind Duren, the Pistons have received some very solid contributions from veteran Isaiah Stewart. While Stewart played a regular role at power forward last season, he welcomed a return to center, even if it meant becoming Duren's backup.

Offensively, Stewart wasn't as productive, scoring just four points per game in eight games. Defensively, Stewart made a difference as a backup for the Pistons.

With Duren out for the remainder of Wednesday's game, Stewart and the experienced Paul Reed will have to fill and fill the former first-round pick's void.