Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Latest Cade Cunningham update signals good news for Pistons

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Apr 6, 2026 2:39 PM ET

After clinching the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons may be getting their star player back just in time for the NBA postseason.

Superstar point guard Cade Cunningham has missed the previous 10 games for the Pistons after suffering from a collapsed lung. Monday's injury report, though, suggested that Cunningham may be nearing a return.

Detroit upgraded Cunningham from "OUT" to "Doubtful" for Monday's game against the Orlando Magic.

It is the first time Cunningham has appeared on an injury report since being sidelined.

The Pistons have upgraded Cade Cunningham to DOUBTFUL for tonight's game against the Magic.

Cunningham has missed each of the Pistons' last 10 games with a collapsed left lung.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) April 6, 2026

Cade Cunningham's return re-inserts Detroit Pistons as favorites

As noted above, Detroit was able to earn the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference this season, and that is largely due to the play of Cunningham.

He is averaging a team high 24.5 points per game as well as a team high 9.9 assists per game. Cunningham has eclipsed 30 points 12 times this season and eclipsed 40 points three times.

He's been at the forefront of the Pistons' rise to the top of the Eastern Conference, and his return will very likely place Detroit back at the top of the favorites list to reach the NBA Finals.

How will Cade Cunningham's conditioning hold up?

The lone concern, though, would be how Cunningham can hold up from a conditioning standpoint.

Cunningham at 85% is still better than most players at 100%, but a lack of on-court preparation prior to the first round of the playoffs could be a problem for the 2025-26 All Star guard.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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