Getty
The Detroit Pistons have been experiencing a winning season in 2024-25, and they have some positive news that could help even more.
While approaching their Monday night action, the Detroit Pistons landed some positive news regarding the star guard, Cade Cunningham.
Hours before tipping off against the Orlando Magic, the Pistons upgraded Cunningham on the injury report to doubtful. He is dealing with a collapsed lung.
It was clear that Cunningham had a slim shot at playing, but the doubtful status was a sign of progress.
As the Pistons revealed the slight upgrade, ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed a detailed update on the status of the star guard.
via Shams Charania, ESPN: “Cade Cunningham is getting close on a return to action. There is optimism that he’s gonna be back before the season is over, potentially before the playoffs. He is in a return-to-play protocol now.”
Detroit Pistons Fans React To The Cade Cunningham Update
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 05: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons plays against the New York Knicks at Little Caesars Arena on January 05, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Here’s what Pistons fans on Reddit have been saying about the update:
“Actually huge news. Feels like Cade has been iffy coming back from time off this year so getting him a couple games to get back up to speed is important imo. Especially with a collapsed lung, I imagine its tough to maintain cardio,” hunteddwumpus said.
“He’s also had moments throughout his career after coming back where he was very slow to look like himself again. A couple decent stints to get acclimated again while doing more cardio outside of actual games feels like a huge win,” added WaterHaven.
“Him and Stew both are doubtgul but great sign if they could just play the last two games for conditiioning thay would be huge,” said ObiwanSchrute.
“Just hold him till the playoffs at this point? I know he doesn’t get any rewards or anything, but our Superstar MVP needs to be fully healed for the playoffs. Better he has a couple of more days to rest,” Envyforme said.
“In my expert opinion as someone with zero knowledge of medicine and zero insight into any behind-the-scenes stuff concerning his health, I think they should keep him out til the last game of the season so he can knock the rust off before playoffs,” matt-is-sad said.
“If he’s healthy, I’d love it if he got some game time prior to the playoffs starting. There is already a week between end of regular season and the playoff start do some game time over this week could be good,” commented Lizardking13.
The Return Date Is Pending
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 29: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after a second half basket while playing the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena on October 29, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Pistons don’t have a target date for Cunningham’s return.
Later this week, Cunningham is expected to undergo another evaluation. If his timeline stays on track, he could be looking at a possible return to action in at least one of the final two games.
Most fans are under the impression that a game or two before the playoff preparation period could be best for the star guard, but the Pistons haven’t reached a point of deciding just yet.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
More Heavy on Pistons
Loading more stories