Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons has missed the past few weeks with a collapsed lung, and while previously an All-NBA and NBA MVP candidate, his injury absence has now ruled him ineligible for end -of-season awards. But while there is no official return date yet set for the young star, the latest Cunningham injury update points to the guard getting on the court soon.
Speaking on NBA Today, league insider Shams Charania offered up a new injury update on the 24-year-old and Pistons’ franchise star.
The latest news on Cunningham comes after his injury status was upgraded for Detroit’s Monday night game against the Orlando Magic.
Cade Cunningham Injury Update, New Return Timeline
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.
According to Charania, Cunningham is ramping up for a return. While the initial recovery timeline pointed to the fact that the Pistons were hopeful he would get back for the playoffs, that now appears to be the case.
“He got an on-court workout in today. He’s going to get another in in the next couple of days as well. They’re going to evaluate him every single day,” Charania said. “Cade Cunningham is getting close on a return to action. There is optimism that he’s gonna be back before the season is over potentially before the playoffs. But he is in a return to play protocol now.”
The Pistons have four games left on their regular-season schedule. While no official injury return announcement has been made, as Charnaia said, Cunningham is in ‘return to play protocol,’ meaning that the star is ramping up for a return, and him getting back on the court is closer than ever.
In 61 games this season, Cunningham is averaging 24.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 9.9 assists on 46.1% shooting. He was previously a top MVP candidate before going out with the injury, and he is now ineligible for end-of-season awards based on his current injury status.
Regardless, as the top seed in the East, having Cunningham back for the playoffs, or even before the postseason begins, is great news for the Pistons.
Is Cade Cunningham Playing Tonight? Latest Updates After Upgraded Injury Status
GettyCade Cunningham, Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons.
Detroit plays Orlando on Monday night. Before the game, Cunningham’s official injury status was upgraded from ‘out’ to ‘doubtful.’
However, just a few days ago, it was reported that Cunningham would be sidelined for at least another week. If he were to play on Monday against the Magic, that wouldn’t match up with what was originally reported about his status.
“Pistons All-Star guard Cade Cunningham will be out at least one more week in his recovery from a collapsed left lung,” Jamal Collier wrote for ESPN on April 2. “The Pistons said Cunningham is working to return to the court, is being supervised by doctors and Detroit’s medical and performance staff and will be reevaluated in one week.”
In light of the recent Cunningham injury update, Charania also confirmed the star would not play on Monday.
“He’s not going to play tonight,” Charania said before offering the latest injury news.
Regardless, all signs point to Cunningham getting back on the court soon for the Pistons, potentially before the 2026 NBA Playoffs begin on April 18.
Detroit is currently 57-21, and has clinched the top seed in the East for the postseason, the first time accomplishing that feat in 19 years.
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