{"id":693041,"date":"2026-04-02T01:51:18","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T01:51:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/693041\/"},"modified":"2026-04-02T01:51:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T01:51:18","slug":"pistons-star-gets-real-on-cade-cunninghams-role-while-injured","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/693041\/","title":{"rendered":"Pistons Star Gets Real on Cade Cunningham’s Role While Injured"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Cade\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons is having an MVP campaign this season.<\/p>\n

As the Detroit Pistons<\/a> took on the Toronto Raptors at home, NBA fans were excited to see the veteran star Cade Cunningham on the bench for Detroit.<\/p>\n

Recently, Cunningham suffered a collapsed lung, which is expected to keep him off the court for several weeks of action.<\/p>\n

Cunningham wasn\u2019t suited up on Tuesday night, but his presence was a great sign. After the game, Pistons center Jalen Duren spoke on having the guard around in a game setting.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was great. He\u2019s been around,\u201d Duren told reporters after the game<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been vocal. His presence has always been there since he went down. The fans haven\u2019t seen him at a game, but he hasn\u2019t gone anywhere. He\u2019s still been with us. Still communicating every game and every practice. We\u2019ve still been able to see him at the facility. It was just another day for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Duren and the Pistons defeated the Raptors 127-116.<\/p>\n

The veteran center checked in for 35 minutes and scored 31 points, while coming down with nine rebounds and blocking one shot on the defensive end.<\/p>\n

How Long Has Cade Cunningham Been Out?
\n\"Cade<\/p>\n

GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA \u2013 MARCH 08: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball against Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat<\/a> during the first quarter at Kaseya Center on March 08, 2026 in Miami, Florida. 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 Rich Storry\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Just five minutes into the Pistons\u2019 March 17 game against the Washington Wizards<\/a>, Cunningham went out with what looked like a back injury.<\/p>\n

It turned out that wasn\u2019t the case. Cunningham was later diagnosed with a collapsed lung.<\/p>\n

The Pistons\u2019 official statement on Cunningham was released on March 19.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter further testing, Pistons guard Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a left lung pneumothorax. Cunningham exited Tuesday\u2019s game vs. the Wizards in the first quarter. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two-week mark is approaching on April 2. The Pistons are slated to host the Minnesota Timberwolves<\/a> on Thursday, leaving the Pistons an opportunity to offer an update before the action.<\/p>\n

Cunningham\u2019s absence on Tuesday marked his eighth of the stretch.<\/p>\n

The Detroit Pistons Are Finding Success Without Cade Cunningham
\n\"Detroit<\/p>\n

GettyTORONTO, ON \u2013 NOVEMBER 15: Wendell Moore Jr. #14 of the Detroit Pistons talks with teammate Cade Cunningham #2 during the Emirates NBA Cup game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 15, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Andrew Lahodynskyj\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

There was an initial worry about the Pistons\u2019 ability to keep the Eastern Conference\u2019s top seed after losing Cunningham for a minimum of two weeks.<\/p>\n

However, the Pistons have remained strong in his absence. The team fired off three wins in a row after the injury. They lost in overtime against the Atlanta Hawks<\/a> on March 25. After bouncing back with two wins, the Pistons fell short against the Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a> in overtime on March 30.<\/p>\n

With a win over the Raptors, the Pistons are now 6-2 since Cunningham went out.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tJustin Grasso<\/a> 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<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Pistons\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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