Detroit Pistons fans are holding their breath as star player Cade Cunningham faces an unexpected setback. Diagnosed with a collapsed lung, Cunningham's absence will be felt as the Pistons, currently the top seed in the East, push through the final stretch of the season.
The injury occurred during Tuesday's clash with the Washington Wizards. Cunningham, always a hustler on the court, took a hard hit while diving for a loose ball.
After the collision, he stayed in the game briefly but ultimately had to exit, unable to return. The team has confirmed that he’s dealing with a left lung pneumothorax and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
This timeline means Cunningham will miss at least eight games of the 14 remaining on the Pistons' schedule. His current averages of 24.5 points and 9.9 assists over 61 games have been pivotal to Detroit’s success. With regular-season awards in sight, Cunningham needs to hit the 65-game mark to remain eligible for honors like an All-NBA selection and a top-five MVP candidacy.
Despite the setback, there’s a silver lining. Reports suggest optimism around his potential return in time for the playoffs, which kick off on April 18. The Pistons, boasting a 49-19 record, hold a 3.5-game lead over the Boston Celtics, maintaining their strong position in the East.
In Cunningham’s absence, the team will look to Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris, and Duncan Robinson to step up and fill the void. Each will need to bring their A-game to keep Detroit on top and ready for a deep playoff run. The Pistons are set to face the Warriors next, and all eyes will be on how they adjust without their star player.