Frank Rondel
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung and is set to miss a significant stretch of games, , reports customreceipt.com via ESPN. The team confirmed on Thursday that the 24-year-old All-Star is dealing with a pneumothorax in his left lung and will undergo a follow-up medical evaluation in two weeks, ruling him out for at least eight upcoming games.
According to information shared with ESPN by insider Shams Charania, the severity of the lung collapse is classified as mild. Despite the diagnosis, there is cautious optimism that Cunningham could return in time for the start of the NBA playoffs, which are scheduled to begin on April 18.
The injury occurred during Tuesday’s matchup against the Washington Wizards. Cunningham initially exited the game with what was described by the Pistons as back spasms. The sequence leading to the injury unfolded early in the first quarter when the guard dove for a loose ball and collided with Wizards player Tre Johnson with 7:44 remaining. He continued to play briefly but showed visible discomfort before leaving the court just over a minute later.
Cunningham, a two-time All-Star, has been a central figure in Detroit’s strong campaign this season. The Pistons currently hold a 49–19 record and lead the Eastern Conference standings, maintaining a 3.5-game advantage over the Boston Celtics. The team is also set to face Washington again on Thursday without its leading playmaker.
Statistically, Cunningham is delivering one of the most productive seasons in the league. He is averaging 24.5 points and 9.9 assists per game, placing him second in assists league-wide. His performance has positioned him among the leading candidates in the NBA MVP race and contributed to Detroit’s best season trajectory in nearly 20 years.
Historically, only eight players in NBA history have finished a season averaging at least those figures in both scoring and assists. Cunningham would become the first player in Pistons franchise history to reach that benchmark if he maintains his output.
However, his current total of 61 games played leaves him below the NBA’s 65-game minimum requirement for eligibility in major regular-season awards, including MVP, All-NBA selections, and Defensive Player of the Year.
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