The Detroit Pistons’ hopes for an NBA championship are facing a significant challenge.
Star point guard Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung, and there is currently no information about his return this season, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“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,” Charania announced on his X account.
Cade Cunningham’s injury impacts the Pistons’ season
The former No. 1 pick left Tuesday’s game against the Washington Wizards early in the first quarter after diving for a loose ball. Initially, he was diagnosed with back spasms and did not return.
This season, Cunningham is averaging 24.5 points, 9.9 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, shooting 46.1% from the field and 34.6% from beyond the arc. He has played 61 games, just four shy of the 65-game benchmark needed for All-NBA selections and other major awards.
“There is some optimism that he’s going to be back for the playoffs,” Charania mentioned on ESPN. “The Pistons, their doctors, and medical staff will work together to gather more information in the coming days regarding treatment and recovery options.”
The Pistons are currently leading the Eastern Conference, and losing their top player is a significant setback with only a few games left in the regular season.
They hold a slim 3.5-game lead over the second-place Boston Celtics, who are bolstered by the return of Jayson Tatum, making it difficult for the Pistons to maintain their top position.