Cade Cunningham
Getty
Cade Cunningham says he is the best American basketball player
One player got back in the mix for the Detroit Pistons after an extended absence.
Just as Ausar Thompson reintroduces himself to the rotation after some time away with an ankle injury, potentially two more players could miss extended time for the top-seeded Pistons.
Going into the Tuesday, March 17, matchup against the Washington Wizards, the Pistons knew they would miss their primary backup center, Isaiah Stewart.
As Stewart battles a calf strain, the team announced that he would take at least one week off as he recovers.
Then, just five minutes into the bout with the Wizards, the star guard Cade Cunningham went out with back spasms. The Pistons ruled him out for the remainder of the game.
Cade Cunningham’s Injury Scare Addressed By JB Bickerstaff
jb bickerstaff
GettyHead coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on October 24, 2025 in Houston, Texas.
Following the Tuesday night Pistons-Wizards matchup, Detroit head coach JB Bickerstaff was asked about Cunningham’s status after the game.
Unfortunately, it was too early for an official comment. Bickerstaff was either not briefed on the setback–or waiting to see how Cunningham’s back responds after coming off the court for some time before speaking on the setback.
Omari Sankofa II
No update on Cade from JB. He liked their defensive effort in the second half and had praise for Daniss Jenkins
Cunningham’s status moving forward remains a mystery. For the time being, all the Pistons can worry about is the performance of the players who filled in and managed to get the job done, while missing a key reserve and an All-Star guard.
JB Bickerstaff Praises Pistons Players For Stepping Up
Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham
GettyCade Cunningham is dealing with an injury scare.
“Unfortunately, we’ve dealt with a lot this season and had to call on different guys throughout the year,” Bickerstaff told reporters, via The Athletic.
“Tonight was an opportunity to do that, give guys minutes and give guys opportunities to see what they could do.”
The Pistons went back to rolling with Paul Reed as Jalen Duren’s primary backup. The veteran center checked in for 13 minutes. He went 4-5 from the field to score 10 points, four rebounds, and one assist.
After getting just 11 minutes of playing time against the Toronto Raptors, Marcus Sasser was back on the court for about 25 minutes against the Kings. He accounted for nine points off the bench, along with four assists, one rebound, and one steal.
Daniss Jenkins put together a strong performance in 21 minutes off the bench as well. He produced 15 points, seven assists, two steals, and one block on the defensive end.
The Pistons knocked off the Wizards with a 130-117 win.
Detroit has advanced to 49-19 on the year. They remain in the Eastern Conference’s top seed with a 4.0-game lead over the Boston Celtics.
All Eyes On Cunningham
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 21: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons looks at his elbow after hard fall against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on February 21, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jayden Mack/Getty Images)
The Pistons are still solid without Cunningham on the floor. They have another All-Star in the veteran center, Jalen Duren.
Still, the season is nearing its end. Keeping Cade Cunningham as healthy as possible for the postseason run is a top priority for Bickerstaff and the Pistons. Soon, the team will get a better idea of his final diagnosis, which will help them put a recovery timeline together, if needed.
The Pistons will get Wednesday off before returning to the court to play in a rematch with the Washington Wizards on March 19.