The Detroit Pistons will be without their top player for the immediate future after Cade Cunningham was diagnosed with a collapsed left lung, a setback expected to keep him out for at least two weeks.
A post from the Pistons social media stated that “the Pistons today announced the following medical update on guard Cade Cunningham” with the attached message reading that he was diagnosed with a left lung pneumothorax, and will be reevaluated in that timeframe – meaning he’ll miss a minimum of eight games.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the condition is considered mild, and “there is some optimism” he could return in time for the playoffs, which begin April 18.
Cunningham’s injury traces back to Tuesday’s game against the Washington Wizards, when he dove for a loose ball and collided with rookie Tre Johnson early in the first quarter. He appeared uncomfortable afterward and exited shortly after. Initially labeled as back spasms—and later a back contusion—further testing revealed the more serious lung issue.
The 24-year-old Cunningham has been central to Detroit’s breakout season, averaging 24.5 points and 9.9 assists per game—one of the top marks in the league. His play has helped push the Pistons to a 49–19 record, putting them ahead of the Boston Celtics for first place in the Eastern Conference with just 14 games remaining.
Cunningham’s injury could also impact his award eligibility. He has appeared in 61 games this season, just shy of the NBA’s 65-game requirement for honors like MVP and All-NBA. Unless he returns soon enough to reach that threshold, he may miss out despite being in contention.
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