Luka Doncic Scratched From Sunday Matchup Against Detroit Pistons

Luka Doncic was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Detroit Pistons due to lower back tightness, interrupting a start to the season where he has averaged 40.1 points per game.

Luka Doncic was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Detroit Pistons due to lower back tightness. The Los Angeles Lakers guard enters the matchup as the NBA's leading scorer, averaging 40.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. Los Angeles currently holds an 8-2 record, which is tied for the best mark in the Western Conference.

This marks the second time this season Doncic has been sidelined by this specific injury. He previously missed a game against the LA Clippers, which the Lakers won 103-87, also during a back-to-back schedule. Sunday’s contest serves as the opening game of a four-game road trip for Los Angeles, which continues Monday against the Atlanta Hawks, followed by matchups with the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns.

In related roster news, the Pistons announced that All-Star center Jalen Duren will remain out for at least two more weeks. Duren, who has been sidelined since last month with a right hamstring strain, is scheduled for reevaluation at that time, according to team reports provided to ESPN.