A significant setback has hit the Detroit Pistons as star player Cade Cunningham faces an indefinite period on the sidelines, potentially missing the start of the playoffs.
Detroit is reeling from the news that Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung. The superstar will be out of action for an extended period. While the exact duration of his absence was not specified, reports indicate the lung collapse is considered «minor.»
Cunningham had previously exited Tuesday’s game against the Washington Wizards early, initially cited by the Pistons as due to back spasms. It is believed he sustained the injury during a dive in the first quarter, ending his participation midway through that period.
Bolstered by Cunningham’s consistently outstanding performances, the Pistons are currently enjoying their most successful season in recent franchise history. With 49 wins, Detroit currently leads the Eastern Conference by 3.5 games over the Boston Celtics, positioning them for potential home-court advantage deep into a playoff run, possibly even extending to the Finals.
Cunningham’s MVP Buzz: A Significant Setback

Cunningham has been averaging an impressive 24.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 9.9 assists with a 46.1% field goal percentage. His stellar play had even brought him into MVP conversations, particularly if players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama failed to meet the games played criteria for NBA awards due to injuries.
However, Cunningham has now also succumbed to injury, though perhaps at a time that could be less impactful overall. Nonetheless, the Pistons face a challenging schedule through early April, including matchups against the Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the scorching-hot Atlanta Hawks (currently on an 11-game winning streak), all formidable playoff contenders.
NBA: Overnight Results
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | Golden State Warriors | 120:99 |
| Indiana Pacers | Portland Trail Blazers | 119:127 |
| Brooklyn Nets | Oklahoma City Thunder | 92:121 |
| Chicago Bulls | Toronto Raptors | 109:139 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | Utah Jazz | 147:111 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | Los Angeles Clippers | 124:109 |
| Memphis Grizzlies | Denver Nuggets | 125:118 |
| Dallas Mavericks | Atlanta Hawks | 120:135 |
| Houston Rockets | Los Angeles Lakers | 116:124 |

