The superstar guard is listed out ahead of the Pistons’ road game against the Magic. Early today, he was upgraded to doubtful, marking the first time he has been upgraded from out since he went down with a collapsed left lung against the Washington Wizards on March 19.

The team announced Thursday that Cunningham will be reevaluated in one week as he “continues to progress in his return to play process under the supervision of physicians and Pistons medical and performance staff.”

Playoff push

Monday marks Cunningham‘s 11th straight absence, but the improvement in his injury status is encouraging, with four games remaining in the regular season’s final week and Game 1 of their first-round playoff series set for April 19, less than two weeks away.

Another key absence for Detroit

Isaiah Stewart, dealing with a left calf strain, was also upgraded to doubtful after missing 11 NBA games and was cleared to resume basketball activities on March 28. Neither Cunningham nor Stewart were with the team during Monday morning’s shootaround and will not play despite their upgraded status.

The Pistons have continued to win without Cunningham and Stewart, improving to 57-21 on Saturday to clinch the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a blowout win over the Philadelphia 76ers. The Pistons are 8-2 since Cunningham’s lung injury.

Cunningham’s numbers

In 61 contests, Cunningham is averaging 24.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 9.9 assists, while shooting 46.1% from the field, 34.6% from three-point range, and 81.4% from the free throw line, underscoring his efficiency on significant volume.

“Appreciate everybody reaching out,” Cunningham said, adding a prayer emoji. “Everything happens for a reason. God’s timing never misses. Staying present and taking it day by day. The gets greater later.” It was a delicate moment, especially for Cunningham, who was having what was likely his best season.

After the injury was announced, the NBA world expressed concern and sent prayers to Cunningham, who earned a second All-Star nod amid a strong season for the Pistons. Many also called out the NBA’s 65-game rule for end of season award eligibility, including MVP and All-NBA Team selections, as it could limit opportunities for players who deserve recognition despite absences.

How long will Cunningham be out?

The injury kept Cunningham out of game action for at least two weeks, the Pistons announced in a statement Thursday. “After further testing, Pistons guard Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a left lung pneumothorax. Cunningham exited Tuesday’s game vs. the Wizards in the first quarter. He will be re evaluated in two weeks.”

Cunningham’s season

Cunningham had played 61 games to date, and he would fall four games short of qualifying for end of season NBA awards if he missed the remainder of the regular season.

In 61 appearances this season, Cade Cunningham averaged 24.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 9.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game for the Pistons while shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 34.6 percent from three.

Entering March 20th, the Detroit Pistons had the best record in the Eastern Conference at 50-19. They sat just five games back of the Oklahoma City Thunder for the best overall record in the NBA, and Cade Cunningham had been receiving serious MVP consideration with his team’s performance.

On the other sideline, Stephen Curry is also out for Golden State Warriors with a lingering right knee injury, meaning the team will be without their franchise centerpiece in Detroit.

The coinciding absences of the NBA‘s two biggest stars reshape tonight’s matchup into one defined by depth and role players — and raise big questions about each club’s playoff positioning.

What happened to Cade Cunningham?

Cade Cunningham is out after being diagnosed with a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), a medical condition that will sideline the Detroit Pistons star guard for at least two weeks, according to official team reports.

His absence stems from an injury sustained during gameplay that caused a left lung pneumothorax. While it’s considered a “mild” collapsed lung, the condition still requires careful monitoring, rest and follow‑up evaluations by medical staff.

For one of the elite two‑way threats and a legitimate MVP candidate this season, missing time is a significant blow to Detroit’s rhythm and offensive firepower. The Pistons plan to re‑evaluate his condition after the initial two‑week period.

What happened to Stephen Curry?

Stephen Curry is currently sidelined with a persistent right knee issue, specifically patellofemoral pain syndrome, and has missed a long stretch of games for the Golden State Warriors.

The injury dates back to January 30, 2026, when he left a game early after aggravating his knee against the Pistons. Tests revealed inflammation and bone bruising around the kneecap area, and the star guard has been managed carefully ever since to avoid long‑term damage.

Over the past several weeks he’s missed more than 15 straight games, as the Warriors have opted to hold him out while the knee responds to treatment and rehabilitation.

Their medical staff has been monitoring his progress closely; he’s begun on‑court work and light play, but the team has consistently deferred a return until swelling and discomfort are fully under control.

When will they play again?

Cade Cunningham is expected to be sidelined at least two weeks from March 19, with a re‑evaluation scheduled. Given Detroit’s regular‑season schedule, that timeline suggests a possible mid‑April return if his recovery stays on track.

Stephen Curry does not yet have a firm return date, but current indications from Warriors sources suggest cautious optimism that he could resume playing later in March or early April as he continues rehabilitation.

Golden State’s staff has repeatedly stated that he will be re‑evaluated in coming weeks before any decision on game availability is made, meaning Curry’s return hinges on continued progress and symptom management.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the two‑time All‑Star and centerpiece of the Pistons’ franchise was ruled out after experiencing symptoms late in a recent game and receiving a diagnosis of pneumothorax.

This news comes with the NBA franchise currently holding the best record in the Eastern Conference, making Cunningham’s absence a seismic shift as the season enters its final stretch.

What does it mean to have a collapsed lung?

Cade Cunningham’s collapsed lung is a serious medical condition that will sideline the Pistons star for the near future. A pneumothorax occurs when air escapes from the lung into the chest cavity, causing the lung to partially collapse and making breathing difficult.

For an NBA guard who handles the ball constantly and drives into contact, this translates to an immediate inability to play, and rushing back could risk further lung injury.

The Pistons will prioritize Cunningham’s full recovery over short-term returns, meaning Detroit may need to adjust their rotation and game plan without their franchise centerpiece.

How does a lung collapse?

A collapsed lung can happen either spontaneously or as the result of trauma, and in Cunningham’s case, the exact trigger is still being reviewed. Spontaneous pneumothorax sometimes occurs in otherwise healthy individuals, often due to small air blisters on the lung that rupture.

Trauma-induced cases can stem from collisions, sudden impact or extreme pressure changes — all risks inherent in professional basketball. Understanding the cause is crucial for preventing recurrence and determining whether surgery, drainage, or simple rest is needed.

How long will Cade Cunningham be out?

Recovery for Cade Cunningham is expected to last several weeks, but exact timing will depend on the severity of the collapse. Minor cases can heal in a few weeks with rest and monitoring, while more severe or recurring cases may require surgical intervention and a longer rehab process.

“He’s expected to miss an extended period of time. The Pistons are not quite sure how long it will be. Could be weeks. There is optimism he could be back for the playoffs”, Shams Charania said.

The franchise will carefully monitor his return, balancing the team’s playoff push with his long-term health. Fans should brace for a stretch without their star guard while Detroit adjusts its lineup and strategy.

According to the official NBA injury report as of Saturday afternoon, Cunningham has been ruled out due to a left quadriceps contusion. The injury likely occurred during Thursday’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs, where Cunningham played 39 minutes and finished with 26 points and eight assists.

Cunningham has been the engine for Detroit this season, missing only six games while producing All-NBA caliber numbers. He is currently averaging 25.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 9.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.

Given that the Pistons face a back-to-back set—traveling to face the Miami Heat tomorrow—the coaching staff opt to rest their star tonight to ensure he is fit for the more challenging matchup in Florida.

Pistons injury report

Beyond Cunningham, the Pistons have several other names on the medical report. Big man Jalen Duren is listed as probable despite dealing with low back spasms; though he has some chances to be in the starting lineup tonight.

However, Detroit will definitely be without Ausar Thompson, who has been ruled out after suffering a right ankle sprain in the opening minutes of the recent Spurs game.

Losing Thompson is a significant blow to the team’s perimeter defense. “Ausar obviously means a lot to us,” head coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters following the loss in San Antonio. “What he does defensively, the impact he has—you miss that. We just have to figure out a way collectively to pick it up“.

With three seconds remaining and Boston leading 115-112, Cunningham was fouled by Jordan Walsh as he crossed halfcourt before he could get a shot off. After the referees reviewed the play, they determined it was a shooting foul, sending Cunningham to the free-throw line with three attempts and a chance to tie the game.

However, after successfully converting the first two, the 24-year-old guard missed the third free throw, squandering an optimal opportunity to equalize the match and potentially send it to overtime. Payton Pritchard secured the rebound for Boston, was immediately fouled, and sank two free throws with 2.4 seconds remaining to seal the triumph.

Following the Celtics’ epic victory—which ended the Pistons’ long streak—Brown didn’t hesitate to take a subtle shot at Cunningham and the referees’ controversial ruling. “Ball don’t lie. Ball don’t f— lie,” the Boston forward said, implying the officials had incorrectly called a shooting foul on Cunningham.

Despite having an incredible night by scoring 42 points, along with eight rebounds and five assists, the missed final free throw that could have forced overtime ultimately tainted the excellent performance by the 2021 NBA Draft’s first overall pick.

Brown makes Celtics history

In the absence of Jayson Tatum, Brown is genuinely performing as a leader and is the driving force for the Celtics, ensuring they remain competitive this season despite not having one of the best players in the franchise’s history. The forward is currently averaging a career-high 28.2 points per game, along with 5.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists.

By leading his team to victory against the Pistons, Jaylen Brown etched his name into the franchise history books. After scoring 33 points against Detroit, Brown became the third player in Celtics history to reach 500 points through the first 18 games of a season, joining Jayson Tatum (2022-23, 2024-25) and John Havlicek (1970-71), according to Celtics Stats on X.

When Tatum is healthy, he and Brown form one of the best duos in the league, making Boston serious title contenders—a championship they already won in 2024. However, with Tatum sidelined for the remainder of the season, Brown faces the massive challenge of leading Boston in the fight for the trophy.

Guard Cade Cunningham has missed the team’s last two games with a hip injury, and he is listed as out for Monday’s matchup against the Indiana Pacers.

Cunningham suffered the injury in an overtime win over the Washington Wizards, where he fell hard on his hip during a drive to the basket. The All-Star guard delivered a massive performance in that game, posting a 46-point triple-double — even if it took him 45 shot attempts to get there.

There is a strong possibility that the Pistons ultimately decide to sit Cunningham tonight, especially considering Detroit has a back-to-back and will face a far tougher opponent in the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday. Detroit, which has won nine straight games, should still be capable of beating the Pacers even if Cunningham does not suit up.

What happened to Cunningham?

Cunningham suffered a hard fall late in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards after Cam Whitmore fouled him during a dunk attempt. He briefly went to the locker room, returned to the floor, and finished the fourth quarter and overtime.

He closed the night with a career-high 46 points (on a franchise-record 45 field-goal attempts), 12 rebounds, 11 assists, five steals, and only two turnovers in 45 minutes, leading the Pistons to a 137–135 OT victory.

How both teams arrive

The Detroit Pistons enter the night as leaders of the conference with an 11–2 record, coming off a recent 114–105 win over the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Cup. Detroit has looked like one of the league’s best teams through the early stretch of the season and appears to be a legitimate title contender, strengthened by last year’s playoff experience.

The Indiana Pacers, meanwhile, find themselves in the opposite situation. After coming within one win of reaching the NBA Finals last season, they are now dealing with significant injuries — including to star guard Tyrese Haliburton — which have derailed their momentum and turned them into one of the league’s weakest teams. They sit near the bottom of the standings with a disappointing 2–11 record.

According to the latest official NBA injury report, the Pistons have ruled out Cade Cunningham (left hip contusion) alongisde Jalen Duren (right ankle sprain) for tonight’s game.

The 24-year-old guard was held out of the recent victory against the Bulls because he suffered a hard fall in his last game against the Wizards, a moment that worried fans in Detroit. The franchise decided to rest Cunningham against Chicago and Philadelphia to ensure he could return completely healthy without suffering any setback.

The first pick of the 2021 NBA Draft is undoubtedly the leader for the Pistons, and he is having the best season of his career so far in Detroit. Cunningham leads his team in scoring and assists, averaging 27.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per contest, making him a critical piece in J.B. Bickerstaff’s system.

Pistons dealing with multiple injuries

Despite dealing with multiple names on the injury report, the Pistons have managed to secure excellent results, which has left them with an impressive 10-2 record.

In addition to the questionable status of Cunningham, Duren, and Stewart, the Detroit teams will be without Tobias Harris (right ankle sprain), Jaden Ivey (right knee arthroscopy), Ausar Thompson (right ankle sprain), and Marcus Sasser (right hip impingement), who are all out for the contest against the 76ers.

On the side of the visiting team, stars Joel Embiid and Paul George will not be present, nor will Jared McCain. Despite rookie VJ Edgecombe (back spasm) was listed as questionable early in the injury report, he will be available for this matchup.

According to the latest official NBA injury report, the Pistons and the Bulls have listed ruled out both, Cade Cunningham (left hip contusion) and Josh Giddey (right ankle sprain).

On the Bulls’ side, Giddey is recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the third quarter of the 128-122 defeat to the Cavaliers on Saturday, November 8th. The Australian guard was held out of the recent loss to the Spurs to prioritize a full recovery.

Meanwhile, for the Pistons, Cunningham suffered a hard fall in the recent 137-135 overtime victory against the Wizards, a moment that worried all Detroit fans. However, the star was able to remain on the court until the end of the game, and the franchise are hopeful the injury is not serious.

Both teams will be without their primary stars tonight. Giddey is having the best season of his career so far, averaging 21.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game, while Cunningham leads his team in scoring and assists, averaging 27.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per contest.

Injury report for both teams

Both the Pistons and the Bulls arrive with more names on the injury report in addition to Cunningham and Giddey. The Detroit side will be without Tobias Harris (right ankle sprain), Jaden Ivey (arthroscopy of the right knee), and Marcus Sasser (impingement on right hip), who are all out for the contest.

Furthermore, Isaiah Stewart is listed as doubtful (sprained left ankle) and Jalen Duren is listed as probable (right ankle sprain). On the Chicago side, they will be without Coby White (right calf strain) and Zach Collins (left scaphoid fracture).

This bittersweet moment unfolded on Monday night against the Wizards, a team that has struggled in the early stages of the regular season. Cunningham joined the ranks of Jordan as the only two players in NBA history to record 40+ points, 10+ rebounds, 10+ assists, and 5+ steals in a single game. However, he also surpassed Bryant by missing more than 30 shots in a single game.

Despite these dramatic moments, the silver lining for Cunningham and the Pistons was the victory, as Detroit boasts an impressive 9-2 record at the onset of the regular season. This success ignites hope among the Pistons’ fan base, dreaming to achieve great things in the playoffs.

Cunningham’s leadership, alongside Dennis Jenkins, who excelled against the Wizards by scoring 24 points in 34 minutes, has generated considerable excitement among Eastern Conference teams. The Pistons currently top the standings, enjoying a comfortable lead over the New York Knicks.

Cunningham’s stellar stats this regular season

As the Pistons’ star continues to make headlines with his outstanding performance, his statistics are drawing attention within the Eastern Conference, providing insight into why the Pistons have enjoyed such a successful start to the season.

Leading the league in games played so far (11), Cunningham has averaged 27.5 points per game, along with 9.9 assists in 37 minutes of playing time per game. On Monday night, Cunningham played 45 minutes, nearly scoring one point for every minute he was on the court.

Other key contributors to the Pistons’ strong start

Undeniably, Cunningham is spearheading the team in nearly every statistical category. Yet, the cohesion within the Pistons is fueled by the consistent performance of their starting lineup. Alongside Jalen Duren, Ron Holland, Duncan Robinson, and Javonte Green, Cunningham and the Pistons are enjoying an excellent start this season.

Significantly, Duren has been contributing 19 points per game, ranking second-highest on the team, while also securing 12 rebounds per matchup. Given these dynamics, the fan base holds high expectations for a team that is catching everyone off guard in the NBA.

The former Heat player finished fifth on the team in scoring last season with an average of 11 points per game, and ranked third in free throw percentage, hitting 88% from the line. He appeared in 74 games for Miami, starting 37, and was a contributor in helping the team reach the playoffs.

Cade Cunningham will now be teaming up with a veteran presence—someone who’s played seven regular seasons and appeared in the playoffs in six of them, logging 70 postseason games with an 8.5 PPG average in the playoffs.

Which former Heat player signed with the Pistons?

That would be Duncan Robinson, who signed a three-year, $48 million deal with Detroit. The new contract guarantees him $16.8 million for the upcoming 2025–26 season. It’s a smaller deal than the five-year, $90 million contract he signed with Miami back in 2021, which officially expired in 2025.

Robinson now holds the fifth-highest contract on the Pistons roster. He’s the only player making over $40 million, slotting in just above Ron Holland II and below Tobias Harris, who is entering the final year of his $52 million deal. Cunningham, meanwhile, holds the team’s largest contract—$269 million.

Details of Robinson’s deal

Michael Scotto reported the full structure of the contract: “Sources: The Detroit Pistons signed Duncan Robinson to a three-year, $48 million deal, which is fully guaranteed at $16.8 million for the 2025–26 season, partially guaranteed $2 million out of a possible $16 million in the 2026–27 season, and non-guaranteed for the 2027–28 season.” The details suggest Robinson’s ability to earn the full $48 million will depend heavily on his performance moving forward.