Cade Cunningham has been the Detroit Pistons’ heartbeat since being drafted by them as the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft. Cunningham’s leap into the MVP conversation has been fueled by his outstanding performances for the Pistons, which have established them as the most dominant force in the East and pushed them into title contention.
The injury was initially cited as back spasms, but Shams Charania’s latest injury update hints the situation is far graver than a simple muscle strain.
Shams Charania Reveals Cade Cunningham Suffered a Collapsed Lung
Currently sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference with a 49-19 record, the Pistons look like an undisputed powerhouse. But a dark cloud now hangs over Little Caesars Arena. During Tuesday night’s victory against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena, the Pistons’ star guard exited the game in the first quarter after diving for a loose ball.
Cunningham and Tre Johnson contested for the ball in the first quarter, and while both dove for the loose ball, Cunningham sustained a muscle spasm. Without an official report, the basketball world waited anxiously until grim social media news broke.
“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,” reported 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. pic.twitter.com/JIHABIIOY5
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 19, 2026
This setback comes amid Cunningham’s best season. Before his injury, he averaged 24.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 9.9 assists while shooting 46.1% from the field and 34.6% from deep.
Cunningham’s playmaking has been masterful this season, evident through his 37 double-doubles. Standing at 6-foot-6, Cunningham has used his ability to manipulate defenses to key Detroit’s 117.4 points-per-game average, which ranks in the league’s top 10.
Detroit Pistons’ Playoff Seeding at Risk Without Cunningham
With only 14 games remaining in the regular season, the timing of the injury could not be worse for the Pistons franchise. With the Boston Celtics currently 46-23 in the East and Jayson Tatum back, the Pistons face immense pressure and competition for the No. 1 seed.
Without their All-Star, the next 14 games will be a major challenge for the Pistons, as they have relied heavily on Cunningham’s shooting and clutch performances in close games. The Pistons face the Wizards again on Thursday at Capital One Arena. This game will test Detroit’s ability to win without Cunningham, who is out for “an extended period of time.”
