Cade Cunningham suffers collapsed lung: Pistons in danger before playoffs

The Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung and is expected to miss an extended period, according to ESPN. This unexpected injury could disrupt the Pistons’ ambitions, currently leading the Eastern Conference with 49 wins and 19 losses.

The 24-year-old guard had left Tuesday’s game against the Washington Wizards in the first quarter with what the team had initially described as back spasms. He injured himself diving for a loose ball before leaving the court a few minutes later.

Just in: Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung and is expected to miss an extended period of time, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/JIHABIIOY5

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 19, 2026

A major blow for an MVP candidate

Cunningham is having an exceptional season, averaging 24.5 points, 9.9 assists – the second highest total in the NBA – and 5.6 rebounds per game. These performances have placed him among the serious candidates for the MVP title and had virtually assured him a second consecutive All-NBA Team selection.

The franchise does not yet know how long their star player will be out, but there is some optimism about a possible return for the start of the playoffs, which begin on April 18. ESPN sources specify that the damage to Cunningham’s lung is considered « minor ».

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Major stakes for Detroit

This injury comes at the worst time for the Pistons, who hold a 3.5-game lead over the Boston Celtics atop the Eastern Conference. The Detroit team has not won a playoff series since 2008.

Cunningham has played 61 games this season, four fewer than the minimum 65 games required to be eligible for individual awards like MVP or All-NBA selections. If he does not return before the end of the regular season, he will not be able to claim these distinctions despite his exceptional statistics.

PLAYER PROFILE

Cade CUNNINGHAM

Position(s): Point Guard

Height: 198 cm

Age: 24 years old (09/25/2001)

Nationality:

2025-2026 Stats / NBA

PTS

24.5

#17

REB

5.6

#92

AST

9.9

#2

The Pistons’ odds to win the Eastern Conference have dropped drastically following this announcement. The Pistons have 14 regular season games remaining to maintain their top position before crucial playoffs for the franchise’s future.