Multiple injuries have disrupted the 2024-25 NBA season, shaking up rosters and playoff races. The Dallas Mavericks, for example, were hit hard, with Kyrie Irving ruled out for the season after an injury against the Sacramento Kings and Anthony Davis missing 20 straight games with a groin injury suffered during his Mavericks debut.
Now, Detroit Pistons rising star Cade Cunningham is the latest injury concern — one that could affect the team’s playoff hopes.
Cade Cunningham’s Status Before Cavaliers Matchup
Just days after hitting the NBA’s key 65-game threshold in Miami on March 6 — a milestone necessary to be eligible for certain end-of-season awards — Cunningham ran into a setback. The 23-year-old point guard has been ruled out for Detroit’s March 28 game against the Cleveland Cavaliers with a left calf contusion. It will be his third straight game on the sideline.
Cade Cunningham (calf) listed out for Friday.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) March 27, 2025
Cunningham first injured the calf during a game against the Mavericks on March 21. Despite the pain, he played 38 minutes and scored 35 points on 50% shooting, adding six assists and seven rebounds.
He leads the team in scoring and playmaking, averaging 25.7 points, 9.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game this season. He’s currently the front-runner for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award.
With both Cunningham and Jaden Ivey out, others will need to step up. Expect bigger roles for Dennis Schroder and Marcus Sasser.
Cunningham’s injury comes at a key moment, with the Pistons trying to build their young core and make a playoff push. While he’s only expected to miss one game, calf injuries can linger. Detroit will have to be cautious with his return.
Will the Pistons Make the Playoffs?
The Pistons have clinches a spot in the NBA Play-in Tournament, but their spot in the top six is not set in stone.
Back-to-back wins — 136-130 over the New Orleans Pelicans and 122-96 over the San Antonio Spurs — helped put them in better position. Sasser came up big in both, scoring 20 and 27 points.
“They’re so locked in to what they’re trying to do big picture,” head coach J.J. Bickerstaff said in an interview. “It’s something we’ll talk about at another time, but right now they’re only focused on the moment in front of them. That’s part of the reason why they’ve been able to grow and develop.”
Defensively, the Pistons have tightened up, allowing just 108.6 points per game over their last five matchups. That surge has pushed them to fifth in the Eastern Conference, just behind the Indiana Pacers.
With a difficult schedule ahead — including games against the Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Oklahoma City Thunder next week — Detroit will need to bring their best to lock in a direct playoff spot. But if they keep it up, Round 1 postseason basketball is coming to the Motor City.