An MRI revealed Wednesday morning Detroit Pistons big man Marvin Bagley III sprained his right MCL and also suffered a bone bruise Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The injury won’t require surgery and Bagley will be re-evaluated in three-to-four weeks. He will miss the beginning of the season, which tips off Oct. 19 against the Orlando Magic.
Omari Sankofa II:Pistons’ season hasn’t started yet and injuries are already exacerbating issues
Looking to the season:9 bold Pistons predictions for 2022-23
The Pistons and Bagley have avoided a bleaker scenario, as noncontact knee injuries are often associated with ACL injuries, which typically carry much longer rehabilitation periods. Bagley slipped while getting back on defense just 56 seconds into Tuesday’s game, and immediately grabbed his right knee as he crumpled to the floor while wincing in pain. His teammates helped him walk to the tunnel, and he was eventually ruled out of the game.
Bagley is slated for a big role for the Pistons after signing a three-year, $37.5 million contract this offseason. He arrived in Detroit at the trade deadline in February and immediately became one of the Pistons’ most reliable offensive weapons, averaging 14.6 points and 6.8 rebounds in 18 games. He started the previous two preseason games.
With Bagley out, rookie big man Jalen Duren could be slated for a larger role. Duren, 18, led the Pistons in rebounding during both preseason games he played, grabbing 14 against the New York Knicks on Oct. 4 and 10 against the Thunder on Tuesday.