Myles Turner has a clear assignment Saturday night in the Fiserv Forum: keep Pistons center Jalen Duren from eating the Bucks alive in the interior. The former first-rounder is amid a breakout campaign in year four, averaging 20.6 points and 11.9 rebounds as a throwback big who does his cooking at the rim. Rebounding is already a problem for Milwaukee. Turner will have his work cut out for him limiting a physical specimen like Duren.
Turner will have his hands full managing Duren
Even with his lack of shooting range, Duren’s explosive athleticism gives him an edge over most opposing centers. He simply dominates near the rim and on the glass, cleaning up 4.5 offensive rebounds per contest.
Nov 3, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center/forward Myles Turner (3) and Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) fight for position in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Duren compensates for his lack of shooting range with his efficiency in the short-game, converting 67.4% of his looks. He doesn’t bother with a dribble on nearly half his attempts (49.3%). He is a poster-child lob threat and pick-and-roll machine with Cade Cunningham.
Duren is also an improved free-throw shooter, making freebies at a 78% clip on over seven attempts per game. That’s helped him eclipse the 20 PPG threshold on just 11 field goal attempts per game.
As good an interior defender as Turner is, containing Duren poses a challenge for anyone due to his linebacker-like strength and physicality. (Somehow, he only just turned 22). And while Turner is an excellent shot blocker (1.6 BPG this season and 2.2 for his career), he doesn’t have the verticality to match Duren when the latter goes up for putbacks or lobs. As a less than elite rebounder, Turner could be in for a long day battling Duren on the glass.
It certainly doesn’t help the Bucks that they won’t have Giannis Antetokounmpo to help clog the paint and provide help defense. Giannis does have the hops and dynamic physical tools to combat a tank like Duren, but he will remain on the sidelines for a couple of weeks managing a left groin strain.
Nov 20, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) dunks a basket against against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Without Giannis, the Bucks need everyone to do more offensively and that includes Turner. In addition to keeping Duren in check on the offensive glass, he will have to get his on the other end. Attempting to spread out the floor and draw Duren away from the basket by making himself open for perimeter looks could be the best way for Turner to attack. On the season, he is averaging 12.4 points on 42.4% shooting from three.
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