Pistons Eye Back-to-Backs, Cade Cunningham Questionable vs. Wizards
The Detroit Pistons are riding high after a convincing win over the Denver Nuggets, but all eyes are now on the injury report ahead of Thursday night’s matchup against the Washington Wizards. The big question? Whether Cade Cunningham will be on the floor.
Cunningham is officially listed as questionable with right wrist injury management. He previously missed two games in January with a wrist contusion, and with Thursday’s game kicking off a back-to-back set - Detroit hosts the Knicks on Friday - the team is understandably playing it safe. This isn’t just about one game; it’s about the long haul, especially with the Pistons sitting at 37-12 and firmly in the driver’s seat atop the Eastern Conference.
Detroit’s medical staff isn’t the only group busy ahead of tipoff. Tobias Harris is also questionable with left knee soreness, and newly acquired Kevin Huerter is in the same category as he awaits clearance post-trade. Dario Saric, who came over in the same deal, has already been ruled out as trade logistics continue to play out.
Wizards Dealing With Major Absences
Washington, meanwhile, is navigating a roster in flux. A slew of players won’t be suiting up Thursday night, including Trae Young (right knee MCL contusion, quad strain), Tre Johnson (left ankle sprain), and Cam Whitmore (right shoulder deep vein thrombosis). On top of that, Khris Middleton, Malaki Branham, AJ Johnson, and Marvin Bagley III are all out after being dealt to the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster trade that brought back Anthony Davis - though Davis isn’t expected to be available either.
That leaves the Wizards with a depleted lineup and a lot of question marks as they head into Little Caesars Arena. With a 13-36 record, the Wizards are clearly in a different phase of their season, focusing more on development and asset accumulation than immediate wins.
New Faces, New Era?
Thursday’s game will also mark the Pistons’ first since dealing Jaden Ivey to the Chicago Bulls. In return, Detroit brought in Huerter and Saric - two players who, once cleared, could bring shooting and versatility to a team already humming. Whether either will be available Thursday remains up in the air, but their arrival signals a front office that’s still looking to fine-tune this roster ahead of the 3 p.m. trade deadline.
And don’t rule out more movement. With the deadline looming, Detroit could still have a few more cards to play as they look to solidify their status as a contender in the East.
Where Things Stand
Tuesday’s win over Denver wasn’t just another notch in the win column - it kept Detroit 5½ games clear of both the Knicks and Celtics in the Eastern Conference standings, and eight games ahead of the Cavaliers in the Central Division. That kind of cushion gives them some flexibility with player health, but also raises expectations. This is a team that’s not just winning - it’s building something.
Next Up: Pistons vs. Wizards
- Matchup: Detroit Pistons (37-12) vs. Washington Wizards (13-36)
- When: Thursday, Feb. 5, 7 p.m. ET
- Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
Whether Cunningham suits up or not, Detroit will look to keep the momentum rolling and push their win streak forward. With trade pieces still settling and the deadline hours away, Thursday’s game is more than just a matchup - it’s a snapshot of a team in transition, aiming higher.
And if you want to stay locked in on all things Pistons - trades, games, and everything in between - The Pistons Pulse podcast is the place to be. Available wherever you get your podcasts.