Cade Cunningham injury update
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DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 12: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons looks on in the second half while playing the Philadelphia 76ers at Little Caesars Arena on March 12, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan.
Cade Cunningham is currently out for the Detroit Pistons after suffering a collapsed lung, and is set to be re-evaluated sometime next week for a potential injury return.
Officially diagnosed as ‘left lung pneumothorax,’ Cunningham hasn’t played since March 17, but based on the latest update, his recovery process is going well, especially considering the timeline for other NBA players who have suffered a similar injury.
Shams Charania
Just in: Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung and is expected to miss an extended period of time, sources tell ESPN.
In 61 games this season, Cunningham is averaging 24.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 9.9 assists on 46.1% shooting for the Pistons, and was previously a top MVP candidate before going out.
Cade Cunningham Injury Update
Per a recent post on X by Hunter Patterson of The Athletic, shared a video of Cunningham working out at Detroit’s facility after practice.
Hunter Patterson
Cade Cunningham is here working with trainers at Pistons shootaround:
The franchise star was originally reported to be re-evaluated in two weeks on March 19, but based on previous players suffering the same injury, like CJ McCollum, it’s clear that a return from a collapsed lung could take a lot longer than a few weeks.
In fact, McCollum suffered the injury on two occasions, and while it took him more than a month to get back the first time and roughly three weeks the second, both basketball and football players have taken anywhere from three to even seven weeks to get back healthy, and that’s only if they didn’t have to undergo surgery to fix the major health concern.
However, at least in Cunningham’s case, the Pistons told ESPN that they believe his collapsed lung is a mild issue, and they have optimism he will return before the playoffs begin in mid-April.
“Sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania that the collapse of Cunningham’s lung is considered mild,” the company wrote. “There is some optimism that Cunningham will be back in time for the start of the playoffs, which begin on April 18, sources told Charania.”
For now, Cunningham remains out, and will re-evaluated in early April. ESPN has an estimated return date set for the star of April 8, but with the latest update of him working out, that return could come sooner.
Detroit will need their franchise centerpiece back healthy if they want to have a shot at making the team’s first deep playoff run in early two decades.
Pistons Injury Report Vs Hawks
Jalen Duren Detroit Pistons injury report
GettyJalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after he dunks in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Little Caesars Arena on November 17, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.
For now, however, the Pistons have an upcoming game against the Atlanta Hawks, one that Cunningham, and a few others, are expected to miss.
Along with the point guard, Detroit has listed Marcus Sasser (hip) as out.
Jalen Duren (knee) and Tobias Harris (hip) are both probable, while Javonte Green (ankle) is questionable for the game.
Jalen Duren (right knee soreness) and Tobias Harris (left hip soreness) have been added to the injury report and are both probable.
Sasser has been downgraded to out. https://t.co/hnK5LoRFJU
— Hunter Patterson (@HunterPatterson) March 25, 2026
The Pistons also have a few of their two-way players listed as questionable for the contest, but with the potential of both Cunningham and Duren, their two All-Stars this season, potentially out, head coach JB Bickerstaff could use a longer rotation tonight against an Atlanta team that has won 13 of their last 14 games.
The Hawks have star Jalen Johnson listed as questionable for the Eastern Conference matchup.
The Pistons are 52-19, holding the best record in the East and likely to grab the top seed in the playoffs. Still, getting Cunningham back healthy remains a top priority, and for now, there’s been no signs that he’s had any setbacks regarding an injury return.