Pistons Host 76ers as Duren Sits Out
Detroit hosts Philadelphia on Wednesday with Jalen Duren out due to a hamstring injury.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Basketball
The Detroit Pistons host the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday in an Eastern Conference matchup. The two teams have combined for just one loss this season, which the Pistons handed the 76ers.
Why it matters
The game gives Detroit fans a look at the matchup between two Eastern Conference teams that have started the season strongly. With Jalen Duren sidelined, the Pistons will rely on Paul Reed at center against Joel Embiid.
The Pistons' only win over the 76ers this season came against an opponent that has otherwise been unbeaten. Duren's absence shifts starting center duties to Paul Reed for this matchup.
The players
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are an NBA franchise based in Detroit, Michigan, competing in the Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are an NBA franchise based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, competing in the Eastern Conference.
Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid is a Cameroonian-American center for the Philadelphia 76ers and a former NBA Most Valuable Player.
Jalen Duren
Jalen Duren is a center for the Detroit Pistons who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Paul Reed
Paul Reed is a center for the Detroit Pistons who will start in place of the injured Jalen Duren.
The details
Paul Reed will start at center for Detroit in place of the injured Jalen Duren and is expected to guard Joel Embiid. Embiid, a former NBA MVP with a checkered injury history, remains most effective operating with his back to the basket and near the hoop.
Timeline
Wednesday: Pistons host the 76ers at Detroit's home arena.
Season Trajectory
Embiid's 2023 NBA MVP season remains the benchmark for his career, and his availability against Detroit's rotation will be measured against that standard. For the Pistons, the game tests whether their depth can hold up in the Eastern Conference race without Duren.
Fantasy managers should note that Paul Reed inherits the starting center role while Duren is out, shifting his rebounding and interior-scoring opportunities. Fans attending or watching should expect a matchup centered on Reed defending Embiid near the basket.
The takeaway
Injuries to key bigs reshape rotations quickly, and Wednesday's game will show how Detroit adjusts when its starting center is unavailable against a former MVP.
Further reading
Follow more coverage in the Basketball section for context on the Pistons and the Eastern Conference.
