The Detroit Pistons are “optimistic” that star point guard Cade Cunningham can recover from a collapsed lung in time for the start of the playoffs, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“I’m told that the Detroit Pistons are optimistic, and there is hope internally there, that Cade Cunningham will be able to return in time for the start of the NBA playoffs in mid-April,” Charania reported Wednesday on NBA Countdown (0:14 mark). “But right now, he’s still just one week removed from that collapsed lung. So, he’s very much in the recovery phase of the process. He’s starting to do some small steps in the facility, do some light work in the weight room.”
“The Pistons expect to have a better sense on a complete and exact timeline for Cade Cunningham in the next one-to-two weeks,” he added.
Detroit initially announced that Cunningham would be re-evaluated in two weeks on Thursday.
He appeared to suffer the injury while diving for a loose ball during Detroit’s 130-117 victory over the Washington Wizards on March 17.
Charania previously reported that Cunningham’s collapsed lung was “considered mild” and the team hoped to have him back before the beginning of the playoffs.
The Pistons currently hold the No. 1 spot in the Eastern Conference standings with a 52-19 record.
Cunningham’s presence was a key reason for Detroit’s success prior to his injury, as he earned his second consecutive All-Star nod this season. He’s averaging 24.5 points, 9.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 34.6 percent from three-point territory.
The Pistons own a 119.7 offensive rating with Cunningham on the floor during the 2025-26 season compared to a 109.4 offensive rating with him off the court (via NBA.com).
It’s worth noting that Detroit has won three consecutive games since his injury, though.
Still, Cunningham’s leadership is crucial for a Pistons squad looking to go on a deep postseason run and emerge from the East.
The 2026 playoffs begin on April 18.