Paul Reed will start Sunday's game against the 76ers, with Jalen Duren sidelined by a hamstring injury. It is a straightforward lineup change, but one that gives Reed another chance to carry over the form he showed on Friday.
Reed came off the bench in Friday's win over the Heat and made a real impact, finishing with 19 points and 11 rebounds in 26 minutes. That kind of production gives Detroit a clear reason to trust him in a starting role for the next game.
Reed's Friday performance adds weight to the decision
The timing matters here. Reed did not just fill minutes on Friday; he produced a performance that stood out, especially on the glass, while providing scoring from the second unit. When a player responds like that, it is easier for the coaching staff to make the switch when a starter is unavailable.
With Duren out, Sunday's game against the 76ers becomes a test of how well Reed can translate that bench impact into a larger role from the opening tip. The numbers from Friday suggest he is ready for the opportunity, and the lineup now reflects that confidence.
What Sunday means for the starting five
The adjustment is driven by availability rather than anything more dramatic, but it still shapes the way the game will begin. Reed's chance to start comes with a clear opportunity to build on a strong showing and show that Friday was not a one-off.
For now, the simple answer is yes: Paul Reed will start Sunday against the 76ers because Jalen Duren is out with a hamstring injury.
