Detroit Pistons All-Star guard Cade Cunningham will be sidelined for at least two weeks after being diagnosed with a collapsed lung, the team announced Thursday. The injury, officially diagnosed as a left lung pneumothorax, casts a shadow over the Pistons’ pursuit of the top seed in the Eastern Conference and raises concerns about Cunningham’s availability for the start of the NBA playoffs.
The news comes just two days after Cunningham, 24, left a game against the Washington Wizards with what was initially described as back spasms. He collided with Wizards guard Tre Johnson while diving for a loose ball with 7:44 remaining in the first quarter and was visibly uncomfortable before leaving the game with 6:40 left in the quarter. The team confirmed during the second quarter that he would not return to the game.
While the injury is concerning, early reports indicate It’s considered mild. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that there is optimism Cunningham could return in time for the playoffs, which start on April 18. The Pistons are currently 49-19, holding a 3.5-game lead over the Boston Celtics for the No. 1 seed in the East. The team is 5-2 in games without Cunningham this season, having secured wins against the Chicago Bulls (twice), Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Philadelphia 76ers.
Cunningham’s absence is a significant blow to a Pistons team on pace for their best season in nearly two decades. He is averaging 24.5 points and 9.9 assists per game – the second-highest assist total in the NBA – in 61 games this season. Only eight players in NBA history have averaged at least 24.5 points and 9.9 assists over an entire season, and Cunningham would be the first to achieve the feat in a Detroit uniform.
Injury Details and Timeline
A pneumothorax, commonly known as a collapsed lung, occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall. According to the team’s announcement, Cunningham will be reevaluated in two weeks. Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff is expected to provide further updates before tonight’s game against the Washington Wizards, scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and available on NBA League Pass.
The @DetroitPistons today announced the following medical update on guard Cade Cunningham: pic.twitter.com/BNUh9hlgT7
— Pistons PR (@Pistons_PR) March 19, 2026
Impact on Playoff Positioning
The Pistons have 14 regular season games remaining, evenly split between home and away contests. Maintaining their lead in the Eastern Conference will be a challenge without their star player. The Boston Celtics, currently 46-23, are closely pursuing the top seed. The team’s ability to navigate the remaining schedule will be a key indicator of their playoff readiness.
Cunningham’s injury also raises questions about his eligibility for postseason awards. A player must appear in 65 games to qualify for major awards such as the Kia MVP and All-NBA teams. Cunningham has played in 61 games to date, leaving his eligibility uncertain.
Cunningham’s Rise to Stardom
Cunningham was the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, and has quickly established himself as one of the league’s brightest young stars. He is a two-time NBA All-Star, earning the honor in both 2025 and 2026. He was also named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2025 and the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2022. Prior to his NBA career, Cunningham was a consensus first-team All-American and Substantial 12 Player of the Year at Oklahoma State in 2021.
The Pistons will undoubtedly experience the impact of Cunningham’s absence, but the team remains optimistic about his recovery and return to the court. Updates on his condition will be provided as they become available. The team’s next confirmed update is expected following Cunningham’s reevaluation in two weeks.
We will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available. Share your thoughts on Cunningham’s injury and the Pistons’ playoff outlook in the comments below.
