Cade Cunningham Upgraded To Doubtful For Monday’s Game

The latest Pistons injury report suggests that franchise player Cade Cunningham will return before the end of the regular season.

Cunningham has been upgraded to doubtful for tonight’s game at Orlando, according to The Athletic’s Hunter Patterson (Twitter link). The team had issued an update on Thursday stating that Cunningham would be reevaluated in one week but it appears that timeline has accelerated.

Cunningham has been sidelined since March 17, when he suffered a collapsed lung while diving for the ball against Washington. Officially diagnosed as a left lung pneumothorax, the injury prevented Cunningham from receiving consideration for postseason awards. He has appeared in 61 games but only played five minutes against the Wizards. He would need to play in five more games for eligibility and the Pistons, who have already sewn up the top seed in the East, only have four games left.

However, getting Cunningham some playing time before the regular season ends should prove beneficial when the Pistons begin their postseason run. While it’s unlikely he’ll play today, it appears that he should be back in action by the Pistons’ final regular-season game on Sunday.

Cunningham is averaging 24.5 points, 9.9 assists and 5.6 rebounds. Detroit has shown its depth and resilience with Cunningham on the mend. The Pistons won that March 17 contest and have gone 8-2 in his absence.

In another Pistons development, key frontcourt reserve Isaiah Stewart has also been upgraded to doubtful. Stewart has been sidelined since March 13 due to a left calf strain.