Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks but is expected to play after missing 11 games with a collapsed lung. ESPN's Vince Goodwill reported that the star, sidelined since March 17, will suit up. The Pistons went 8-3 in his absence and clinched the No. 1 seed in the East.
Cade Cunningham suffered a collapsed lung on March 17, knocking him out of 11 games and ending his MVP and All-NBA candidacy. Despite the loss of their leading creator, the Pistons lost only three games during that stretch, two in overtime. They defeated full-strength teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and pushed the Oklahoma City Thunder to overtime, while getting breaks against injured squads such as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers. Overall, Detroit scored 115.8 points per 100 possessions without him, outscoring opponents by 9.5 points per 100, nearly matching their net rating with Cunningham on the floor. The team empowered other players during the absence. Daniss Jenkins averaged 18.9 points, 7.6 assists and 4.2 rebounds in 35.6 minutes, shooting 43.1% from three, including a 30-point career-high against the Lakers. Jalen Duren posted 22 points on 73% true shooting, highlighted by 30 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists versus New Orleans. Kevin Huerter provided secondary creation after early DNPs post-trade deadline. Isaiah Stewart, who missed 13 games with a calf strain, is also questionable for the Bucks matchup. With both stars nearing returns, the Pistons enter the playoffs after securing the East's top record.
