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Pistons’ Tough Stretch Demands Players Step Up Now

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Tyrone Smith | Last updated Mar 22, 2026 9:55 AM ET

The Detroit Pistons were dealt a devastating blow. After further testing, doctors determined that Cade Cunningham suffered a collapsed lung and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. The injury not only sidelines Detroit’s leader but could also jeopardize his candidacy for postseason awards.

Injuries create opportunity—and for a Pistons team that has fought for respect all season, this is a defining moment. The road ahead won’t be easy, but Detroit has made a habit of silencing doubters by simply competing.

Winners of two straight, the Pistons now face a difficult stretch. With matchups against some of the league’s hottest teams, they’ll have a prime opportunity to silence the narrative. How do they go about it? Let’s dive in.

Pistons’ Tough Stretch Demands Players Step Up Now

The Road Ahead Requires Production

The Pistons have no shortage of guards capable of contributing—but now, they need production. With Cunningham sidelined, the responsibility will fall heavily on Daniss Jenkins, who is coming off a bounce-back performance of 22 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists Friday night.

Beyond Jenkins, others must rise to the occasion. Kevin Huerter and Caris LeVert both have impactful skillsets, but neither has consistently put it all together.

For LeVert, the expectation is clear—he must elevate his scoring and embrace the role of a true three-level threat, the player Detroit brought him in to be. As for Huerter, his production has begun to trend upward, but consistency from beyond the arc remains key. If he can reliably space the floor, it would provide a much-needed boost to Detroit’s offense.

The Spark Detroit Needs to Step Up

Mar 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Marcus Sasser (25) attempts a shot against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images

The biggest x-factor in the Pistons’ backcourt is Marcus Sasser. His combination of shooting and on-ball defense has made him a player fans have been eager to see more of—and now, the opportunity has arrived.

Sasser has recently earned more minutes, and the results have been encouraging. Over his last seven games, he’s shooting 46.9 percent from three-point range, providing a level of spacing this Pistons team has lacked.

Detroit ranks near the bottom of the league in three-point makes, attempts, and efficiency, making Sasser’s shooting even more critical during this stretch. If he can maintain this level of production, he could quickly become a key piece in keeping the offense alive without Cunningham.

Survive Now, Thrive Later

The Pistons now find themselves in a familiar position—holding steady while they wait for Cunningham’s return. How they respond during this stretch will ultimately shape what his return means for the team.

While a collapsed lung is a serious injury, there is precedent for players returning within a relatively short timeframe. CJ McCollum dealt with two separate incidents, missing 18 games in 2021 and 12 in 2023. Terrence Jones missed eight games before returning for Houston’s 2015 playoff run, while Gerald Wallace missed seven games following a flagrant foul by Andrew Bynum.

The timeline remains uncertain, but the blueprint is clear. The Pistons don’t need to be perfect—they just need to stay afloat. If they can, they’ll give themselves a chance to be a much more dangerous team when Cunningham returns.

The Last Word

The Pistons are entering another tough stretch late in their season. With Cade Cunningham out, the margin for error becomes even smaller, placing added responsibility on a backcourt that must now prove it can deliver.

Daniss Jenkins is stepping into a larger role. Veterans like Kevin Huerter and Caris LeVert must find consistency, while Marcus Sasser could emerge as a true x-factor. The opportunity is there for Detroit to show its depth.

If the Pistons can find rhythm and maintain their competitiveness, they won’t just be waiting for Cunningham’s return—they’ll be preparing for it. And when he does step back on the floor, Detroit could find itself not just whole again, but more complete than before.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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