The Detroit Pistons are closing out their 2025-2026 NBA season with questions surrounding some core players. One of them happens to be the starting point guard, Cade Cunningham.
The veteran guard last played on March 17. At the time, Cunningham checked out after five minutes of action against the Washington Wizards due to a suspected back injury. It turned out that Cunningham was dealing with a collapsed lung.
Cunningham was immediately ruled out for multiple weeks. Last week, the veteran guard did a re-evaluation and was told he would miss another week of action.
Not even a week into that timeline, Cunningham was upgraded on the Pistonsâ injury report before Mondayâs game against the Magic. While he was still doubtful to play, it was a positive sign that Cunningham could have a shot at getting some minutes before the playoffs.
Before Mondayâs action, Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff addressed the state of Cunningham, as well as the veteran backup center, Isaiah Stewart.
JB Bickerstaff Makes A Statement On Cade Cunningham
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 17: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons points skyward before playing against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 17, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
via Omari Sankofa, Detroit Free Press: JB said he hopes Cade and Stew can play at least one regular season game: âThereâs no way to replicate what a game is other than playing the game ⦠specially ramping up to the intensity of playoff basketball it would be beneficial for the guys, and the group.â
The Pistons completed the top mission of the regular season over the weekend. With a blowout win over the Philadelphia 76ers, the Pistons locked up the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. They donât need Cunningham rushing back to help them maintain the seed they possessed for most of the year.
But the Pistons would also be wise to get Cunningham back on the court for some real-time reps before heâs inserted into a playoff scenario with a month on the bench.
Thatâs clearly what the Pistons are hoping to do during the final week of action.
What’s Left For Detroit?
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 02: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after a foul call in the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on November 02, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
After Mondayâs action, the Pistons have three games left on the schedule. Wednesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks, Friday night against the Charlotte Hornets, and Sunday night against the Indiana Pacers will be the lineup that the Pistons close out the year with.
When Cade Cunningham went down, he had 61 games played this year. The veteran guard was thriving, shooting 46.1% from the field and 34.6% from three, averaging 24.5 points per game. He also posted averages of 5.6 rebounds and 9.9 assists. For the second-straight season, Cunningham was named an All-Star.
All signs are pointing to Cunningham making it back in time to get some playoff reps. Itâs unclear if heâll be ready for Game 1 or even before that, though.
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