Detroit Pistons Star Cade Cunningham to Miss Extended Time With Collapsed Lung Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung and is expected to miss an extended period of time, according to sources who spoke to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The injury, described as mild, has left the team uncertain about the timeline for his return. The Pistons, who entered Thursday with the best record in the Eastern Conference, are still gathering information on Cunningham’s condition and have not yet determined how long he will be sidelined. Cunningham, a two-time All-Star guard, left Tuesday’s game against the Washington Wizards with what the team initially reported as back spasms. The injury occurred early in the first quarter when he dove for a loose ball. He played for a few minutes before being taken out of the game midway through the quarter. The Pistons are set to face the Washington Wizards on Thursday, a game that could impact their position in the Eastern Conference standings. Despite the injury, there is some optimism that Cunningham could return in time for the start of the NBA playoffs, which begin on April 18. The 24-year-old is among the leaders in the NBA MVP race, averaging 24.5 points and 9.9 assists per game this season. His performance has been instrumental in the Pistons’ success, as they currently hold a 49-19 record. However, Cunningham has played in 61 games, falling just short of the 65-game threshold required to be eligible for league awards such as MVP, All-NBA teams, and Defensive Player of the Year. The Pistons are 3.5 games ahead of the Boston Celtics, who lead the Eastern Conference at 46-23. Cunningham’s absence could test the team’s depth, particularly as they aim to secure a top seed for the playoffs.#shams_charania #washington_wizards #cade_cunningham #detroit_pistons #nba_playoffs
Detroit Pistons Face Playoff Challenges Amid March Slump The Detroit Pistons have enjoyed a dominant regular season, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a 48-19 record. Their success has been driven by standout performances from key players, including Cade Cunningham, who has emerged as an MVP candidate, and Jalen Duren, whose growth has made him a strong contender for Most Improved Player. The roster also features elite defenders like Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland, and Isaiah Stewart, who have solidified the team’s identity on the defensive end. Despite their regular-season dominance, the Pistons have shown signs of vulnerability in recent weeks. Over the past two weeks, their defensive rating has dropped to 18th in the league, a stark contrast to their season-long performance. This decline has been attributed to an alarming increase in personal fouls, as the team has committed the third-most fouls in the league during this stretch. Opponents have capitalized on these mistakes, averaging 28 free-throw attempts per game. Rebounding has also become a concern. The Pistons have struggled to defend offensive boards, ranking near the bottom of the league in that category. This weakness has resurfaced during critical moments in games, threatening their ability to sustain momentum. While their offensive production has remained relatively stable, the team’s ability to counter opponents’ focus on the Cunningham-Duren backcourt remains a question mark. The Pistons’ inconsistency in March has raised alarms about their playoff readiness. Though they have shown resilience in high-stakes situations, their recent struggles highlight vulnerabilities that could be exploited in a grueling postseason. Coach J.B.#cade_cunningham #detroit_pistons #jalen_duren #jb_bickerstaff #nba_playoffs
