The Detroit Pistons are in the midst of their best season in more than a decade as they've sat atop the Eastern Conference for most of the season.
Star point guard Cade Cunningham has been the main catalyst, finding himself in MVP conversations not too long ago, and for a while it looked like Detroit could steamroll their way to the NBA Finals.
However, with the return of Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum and the Pistons sporting just a 5-5 record this month, their path has gotten increasingly more difficult.
With Boston right on their heels, the task of clinching the No. 1 seed and winning the east just became much more daunting.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) and center Jalen Duren (0) react to a foul called in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
ESPN report Shams Charania dropped a bombshell report this morning, announcing that Cunningham suffered a collapsed lung and will be out for an extended period of time.
While there is no news about exactly how long the former first-overall pick is out for, it's hard to imagine Detroit keeping this pace up.
Cunningham already had to work overtime on offense without any other stars on the team, so now it is up to young players like Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson to step up in his absence.
Jan 31, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper (8) is defended by Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) and center Jalen Duren (0) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Collapsed lungs can keep players out for just a couple of weeks in minor cases, but the worst-case scenario would likely see Cunningham miss a month or more.
With the Celtics improving each game and the New York Knicks being one of the hottest teams in basketball, a dream season for the Pistons may have turned into a nightmare quick.
If other players can't carry the load, then there is a real chance they could drop as low as the third seed, which would significantly decrease their chances of making a deep playoff run.
Cunningham could very well return before the start of the playoffs, or this injury could sideline him until the middle of a series. However long he is out for, Detroit will face an impossible challenge of keeping things afloat while their superstar faces adversity.
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