Cade Cunningham is expected to miss several weeks with a mild collapsed lung, but the Detroit Pistons remain cautiously optimistic that he could return in time for the playoffs.
Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a mild collapsed lung and is expected to miss an extended period of time, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN.
Cade Cunningham
Cade Cunningham
Cade Cunningham
MIN: 34.36
PTS: 24.54 (54.89%)
REB: 5.57
AS: 9.89
ST: 1.48
BL: 0.85
TO: 3.7
GM: 61
Cunningham, who left Tuesday night's game against the Washington Wizards with back spasms after diving for a loose ball, will undergo treatment and monitoring to ensure a full recovery.
Recovery from a collapsed lung typically takes 3-6 weeks for athletes, depending on severity and treatment, meaning Cunningham will potentially miss the final stretch of the regular season.
"It's a period of weeks," Charania said on ESPN's Get Up show. "Cunningham has been diagnosed with a mild collapsed lung. The Pistons are not quite sure exactly how long it could be. Obviously, the playoffs are about a month away.
"There is some optimism that he's going to be back for the playoffs," the NBA insider added.
The Pistons' medical staff is working closely to monitor Cunningham's lung function, which will determine when he can return to high-intensity NBA activity.
Cunningham has been the engine of Detroit's offense this season, averaging 24.5 points, 9.9 assists, and 5.6 rebounds over 61 games while shooting 46.1% from the field and 34.6% from three.
His presence is critical as Detroit chases its first Eastern Conference top seed in years, currently holding a 49-19 record.
With a return likely depending on his recovery over the coming weeks, the Pistons remain cautiously optimistic that Cunningham could be back in time for the playoffs.
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