The Detroit Pistons are preparing for another important game as they face the Orlando Magic, but one major question continues to dominate discussions before tip-off: will star point guard Cade Cunningham return to the lineup?
Detroit has already secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Even with that success, Cunningham’s injury status remains one of the biggest stories surrounding the team as the regular season approaches its final stretch.
Latest Cade Cunningham Injury Status
Cade Cunningham was initially ruled out for the matchup against the Orlando Magic while recovering from a collapsed lung. However, his status was later upgraded to doubtful, which suggests that the team is beginning to see encouraging progress in his recovery.
The injury occurred on March 17 during a game against the Washington Wizards. Cunningham suffered the collapsed lung after diving for a loose ball, forcing him to step away from the lineup while medical staff closely monitored his recovery.
Cade Cunningham is making progress in his return from suffering a collapsed lung, and the Pistons plan to re-evaluate the star in one week.
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) April 2, 2026
He will miss out on NBA awards, since he's played 61 games and won't reach the 65-game rule to qualify for votes. He had certainly earned… pic.twitter.com/IB0H6l5BJ5
Although he has not returned to game action yet, recent developments have been positive. The Pistons have indicated that he is progressing well and has even taken part in an on-court workout, raising optimism that he could return before the playoffs begin.
Detroit is taking a cautious approach, prioritizing his long-term health rather than rushing him back for late-season games.
Cade Cunningham 2025–26 Season Performance
Before the injury, Cunningham was having one of the best seasons of his career and had firmly entered the MVP conversation. His all-around production has been a major reason why Detroit climbed to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
| Category | Average |
|---|---|
| Points | 24.5 |
| Assists | 9.9 |
| Rebounds | 5.6 |
| Steals | 1.5 |
| Field Goal % | 46.1% |
| 3-Point % | 34.6% |
| Free Throw % | 81.4% |
His ability to score, distribute the ball, and control the pace of the game has made him the centerpiece of Detroit’s offense this season.
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Detroit’s Performance Without Cunningham
Shams:
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) April 6, 2026
"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. He is in a return to play protocol now" pic.twitter.com/U6j18yEYJL
Even without their star guard, the Pistons have managed to maintain strong momentum. Detroit has gone 8–2 in the 10 games since Cunningham last played.
A key factor behind that success has been the impressive performance of backup guard Daniss Jenkins. He has stepped into a much larger role during Cunningham’s absence and delivered consistent production.
Daniss Jenkins Recent Production Without Cunningham
| Category | Average |
|---|---|
| Points | 19.0 |
| Rebounds | 4.4 |
| Assists | 7.7 |
| Minutes | 35.9 |
| Field Goal % | 44.8% |
| 3-Point % | 43.8% |
Jenkins has become a reliable offensive option while also helping run the Pistons’ offense during this stretch.
Why Cunningham’s Return Matters for Detroit
While the Pistons have performed well during his absence, Cunningham remains the engine of the team. His playmaking, scoring ability, and leadership elevate Detroit’s entire offensive system.
When he is on the floor, the Pistons benefit from improved spacing, more efficient ball movement, and stronger late-game decision making. These qualities become even more important during the playoffs when defenses tighten and games are often decided by small margins.
With Detroit already securing the No. 1 seed in the East, the organization’s main priority is ensuring Cunningham is fully healthy for the postseason.
Outlook Before the NBA Playoffs
The Pistons have only a few regular-season games remaining before the playoffs begin on April 18. The team continues to monitor Cunningham’s recovery closely, conducting daily evaluations to determine when he can safely return.
The latest signs are encouraging. His participation in workouts suggests that he is progressing toward a comeback, and there is growing confidence within the organization that he could be back before the playoffs begin.
For now, Detroit is focused on patience. Ensuring Cunningham is completely ready for postseason basketball remains the team’s most important objective.
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