Pistons Star Cade Cunningham Sidelined with Collapsed Lung
The Detroit Pistons will be without star guard Cade Cunningham for an extended period of time
after he was diagnosed with a collapsed lung, the team announced Thursday. The injury casts a shadow over the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons’ playoff hopes.
Injury Details and Timeline
Cunningham, 24, has a left lung pneumothorax. The Pistons stated he will be re-evaluated in two weeks, meaning he will miss at least eight games. Sources indicate the collapse is considered mild
, offering some optimism for a potential return before the start of the playoffs on April 18.
How the Injury Occurred
The injury occurred during Tuesday’s 130-117 loss to the Washington Wizards. Cunningham initially left the game with what the Pistons described as back spasms after colliding with Wizards guard Tre Johnson while diving for a loose ball with 7:44 left in the first quarter. He appeared to be laboring before leaving the game approximately one minute later.
Pistons’ Performance Without Cunningham
Despite the setback, the Pistons have shown resilience in Cunningham’s absence, posting a 5-2 record in games he has missed this season.
Cunningham’s Impact and Season Stats
Cunningham is averaging 24.5 points, and 9.9 assists – the second-most in the NBA – in 61 games this season. He is among the leaders in the NBA MVP race. Only eight players in NBA history have averaged at least 24.5 points and 9.9 assists for an entire season.
Eastern Conference Standings
The Pistons (49-19) currently hold a 3½ game lead over the Boston Celtics (46-23) atop the Eastern Conference standings.
Previous NBA Players with Collapsed Lungs
The average time lost for an NBA player who suffers a collapsed lung is 26 days.
Jeff Stotts of “In Street Clothes”
Terrence Jones of the Houston Rockets returned after two weeks and six games after suffering a partially collapsed lung in 2015. CJ McCollum of the New Orleans Pelicans was back after 22 days, missing 12 games, when he sustained a collapsed lung in 2023.
FAQ
What is a pneumothorax?
A pneumothorax, commonly known as a collapsed lung, occurs when air leaks into the space between your lung and chest wall.
How long will Cade Cunningham be out?
The Pistons have stated Cunningham will be re-evaluated in two weeks, but the length of his absence is currently unknown.
Will this injury affect Cunningham’s MVP chances?
Missing an extended period of time will undoubtedly impact Cunningham’s candidacy for the NBA MVP award.
The Pistons will need to navigate this challenging period without their star player as they aim to secure the top seed in the Eastern Conference and make a deep playoff run.