Report: Pistons star Cade Cunningham out with collapsed lung

Field Level Media|published: Thu 19th March, 10:17 2026

NBA: Detroit Pistons at Washington Wizards

Mar 17, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) looks on during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Detroit Pistons star guard Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung and is expected to miss an extended period of time, ESPN reported Thursday.

Per the report, there is optimism that Cunningham will be back in time for the start of the playoffs, which begin on April 18. The Eastern Conference-leading Pistons (49-19) have 14 games remaining in the regular season.

It's unclear exactly when Cunningham sustained the injury, however he exited the Pistons' win on Tuesday with what the team labeled as back spasms early in the first quarter after falling on the floor in a bid to secure a loose ball. He already was ruled out for Detroit's Thursday game against the host Washington Wizards prior to the report.

Cunningham, 24, is in contention for NBA Most Valuable Player honors. He is averaging 24.5 points, 9.9 assists and 5.6 rebounds in 61 games (all starts) this season.

A two-time All-Star, Cunningham is averaging 22.6 points, 7.9 assists and 5.4 rebounds in 269 career games (all starts) since the Pistons selected him with the top overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft.

--Field Level Media

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