The Detroit Pistons are facing a challenging stretch without their star point guard, Cade Cunningham, who is sidelined with a collapsed left lung. This development could shake up the Eastern Conference dynamics, as Cunningham is set to be re-evaluated in two weeks.
Cunningham's injury occurred during Tuesday night's 130-117 victory over the Washington Wizards, when he left the game in the first quarter after diving for a loose ball. Initially diagnosed with a lower back contusion, the situation escalated to a mild collapsed lung, as reported by ESPN. While the Pistons are optimistic about his return by the start of the playoffs on April 18, his absence will undoubtedly test the team's depth.
The Pistons, leading the East with a 49-19 record, hold a 3.5-game edge over the Boston Celtics. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks, sitting third, trail Detroit by five games. Notably, the Pistons have the tiebreaker advantage over the Knicks, having swept their regular-season series.
Cunningham, at 24, is a pivotal force for Detroit, averaging 24.5 points per game and ranking second in the NBA with 9.9 assists. His contributions also include 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. This season marks his fifth in the NBA and his second straight All-Star selection.
Should Cunningham miss the projected two weeks, he would be absent for eight games, with the Pistons having 13 regular-season games left after Thursday. He's appeared in 61 games so far, just four short of the league's cutoff for MVP and All-NBA team considerations.
In Cunningham's absence, backup point guard Daniss Jenkins, a St. John's alum, is expected to take on a larger role.
Jenkins, who joined the Pistons as an undrafted rookie in 2024, recently secured a standard contract. He's been averaging 7.7 points and 3.1 assists in 17.4 minutes per game.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff acknowledged the team's resilience, noting, “Unfortunately, we’ve dealt with a lot this season and had to call on different guys throughout the year.” The Pistons also made a notable roster move by trading guard Jaden Ivey to the Chicago Bulls before last month’s trade deadline.
As the Pistons navigate this crucial period, the hope is that Cunningham's recovery aligns with their playoff aspirations, maintaining their stronghold in the Eastern Conference.