The Detroit Pistons are set to face off against the New York Knicks on Friday night in a matchup that pits the top two teams in the Eastern Conference against each other. And for the Pistons, there’s good news - Cade Cunningham is back in the starting lineup after dealing with a nagging hip injury.
That’s huge. Not just because he's their floor general, but because he's playing some of the best basketball of his young career.
Early in the first quarter, with the game tied at six and just under eight minutes on the clock, Cunningham reminded everyone why he’s the engine that powers Detroit’s offense. He caught the ball beyond the arc, gave a slick pump fake to freeze the defender, then exploded toward the rim.
What followed was a textbook drive - he split two defenders with a smooth glide and finished at the basket with ease. Two points, but it felt like a statement.
Cunningham’s been consistently excellent this season. Through 44 games, he’s averaging 25.4 points, 9.8 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game, shooting a sharp 46.1% from the field.
Two defenders, no problem. pic.twitter.com/rgFsJ2XnPw
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) February 7, 2026
Those numbers aren’t just impressive - they’re All-Star caliber. And appropriately, he’s earned that All-Star nod despite battling through both hip and wrist injuries in recent months.
It’s clear he’s playing through pain, but you wouldn’t know it from the way he’s controlling games.
The Pistons, meanwhile, are rolling. At 37-13, they hold the best record in the East.
Right behind them? The Knicks at 33-18.
Friday’s showdown isn’t just another game on the schedule - it’s a clash between two teams that could very well see each other again deep in the postseason. With both squads at near full strength, it’s a chance to measure where they stand as the All-Star break approaches.
Looking ahead, the Pistons are about to hit the road for a tough stretch. They’ll kick things off Monday in Charlotte against the Hornets, then head to Toronto on Wednesday to face the Raptors.
That’s followed by a quick turnaround - a rematch with the Knicks in New York on Thursday, then a Saturday stop in Chicago to take on the Bulls. It’s a four-game road trip in six days, a stretch that will test their depth and stamina.
Detroit returns home on February 23 to face the San Antonio Spurs, closing out a demanding February slate. But for now, all eyes are on Friday night. With Cade Cunningham healthy and playing at an elite level, the Pistons have their leader back - and with him, their sights set firmly on staying atop the East.