Cade Cunningham
A collapsed lung. Eight games minimum. Playoffs around the corner. The Pistons are now facing their biggest test of the season. Cade Cunningham Instagram

Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons will miss an extended period after being diagnosed with a collapsed lung, raising uncertainty over his availability for the play-offs in April.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the two-time All-Star has a left lung pneumothorax. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks and is expected to miss at least the Pistons' next eight games.

Cunningham's diagnosis was unexpected, as initial reports suggested he was dealing with back spasms. He went down in the Pistons' game against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, 17 March, after colliding with Tre Johnson while contesting a loose ball in the first quarter.

Team Response Without Cunningham

With Cunningham sidelined, the Pistons will be without his significant contributions. In 61 games this season, he is averaging 24.5 points and 9.9 assists per game. His performance has made him one of the frontrunners for the 2025–26 MVP award.

Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff emphasised the team's responsibility to continue pushing forward despite the setback. 'It is our responsibility to keep moving forward,' he said, as reported by CBS Sports.

'We know he will be there rooting for us. When he starts to come around, he'll be cheering for us while helping coach and leading. It is everybody's responsibility to keep moving forward. We just put our head down, 10 toes forward, and go to work,' the coach added.

The Pistons responded immediately, defeating the Wizards 117-95 on Thursday. Jalen Duren led the team with 24 points and 11 rebounds, showing the squad's ability to step up in Cunningham's absence.

Cade's Recovery Timeline

According to Harvard Health, recovery from a collapsed lung typically takes one to two weeks for initial healing. Cunningham's re-evaluation will determine the next steps in his treatment and possible return to the court.

In severe cases, surgery may be required, which could extend recovery to four to six weeks or longer. Regardless of the outcome, Bickerstaff will need the rest of his squad to fill the void left by Cunningham.

Players expected to contribute more include Tobias Harris, Duncan Robinson, Isaiah Stewart, and Ausar Thompson. While each has been performing well this season, the team will need consistent contributions from all to maintain its play-off push.

Pistons' Play-Off Prospects

Even before Cunningham's injury, the Pistons were building momentum. In the 2024–25 season, Detroit finished 44-38 and advanced to the post-season, ultimately losing in the first round to the New York Knicks.

Pistons legend Adrian Dantley, who played for the team from 1986 to 1989, believes the squad is well-positioned to go further this season. 'I think Detroit will be there. That play-off experience they had last year, I think that helped push them farther this season. I think they're more prepared this year. Good team,' Dantley told Sports Bytes Philippines in February 2025.

Dantley also praised Cunningham's impact while stressing the importance of team effort. 'He's good. He's great. But you got to give them credit. They doing whatever it takes that they are doing to win basketball games,' he added.

The Pistons now face the challenge of adjusting without their star guard, but the team's overall performance so far suggests they have the depth to remain competitive through the remainder of the season.

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