4:45 pm: Cunningham and Stewart have been downgraded to out, tweets Patterson, but head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is hopeful both players will return before the regular season ends (Twitter link via Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press).
“There’s 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,” Bickerstaff said.
12:46 pm: The latest Pistons injury report suggests that franchise player Cade Cunningham will return before the end of the regular season.
Cunningham has been upgraded to doubtful for tonight’s game at Orlando, according to The Athletic’s Hunter Patterson (Twitter link). The team had issued an update on Thursday stating that Cunningham would be reevaluated in one week but it appears that timeline has accelerated.
Cunningham has been sidelined since March 17, when he suffered a collapsed lung while diving for the ball against Washington. Officially diagnosed as a left lung pneumothorax, the injury prevented Cunningham from receiving consideration for postseason awards. He has appeared in 61 games but only played five minutes against the Wizards. He would need to play in five more games for eligibility and the Pistons, who have already sewn up the top seed in the East, only have four games left.
However, getting Cunningham some playing time before the regular season ends should prove beneficial when the Pistons begin their postseason run. While it’s unlikely he’ll play today, it appears that he should be back in action by Detroit’s final regular season game on Sunday.
Cunningham is averaging 24.5 points, 9.9 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game this season. Detroit has shown its depth and resilience with its star point guard on the mend — the team won that March 17 contest and has gone 8-2 in his absence.
In another Pistons development, key frontcourt reserve Isaiah Stewart has also been upgraded to doubtful. Stewart has been sidelined since March 13 due to a left calf strain.
I wouldn’t even bring him back till first rd. He can get all his reps with team. Just get stronger and ready for playoffs. Cause Pistons are going nowhere without him. Get well Cade 🙏
Tough player and team to dislike. If they weren’t our primary rivals I’d have no trouble rooting for them
Yup agree. They are tough
Nothing wrong with respecting your rivals there Bargz.
I dislike everything NY, but I still love watching Brunson play!
Now that I think about it I respect all of them except that dirty pluck Embiid