Pistons Remain Hopeful Despite Cade Cunningham's Lung Injury

ESPN's Brian Windhorst sees silver lining in Detroit's strong play without their star guard

Mar. 20, 2026 at 6:54am

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The Detroit Pistons have won 5 of 7 games since Cade Cunningham was diagnosed with a collapsed lung and is expected to miss at least 8 games. While fans are concerned, ESPN's Brian Windhorst believes there is reason for optimism, noting the Pistons' 4-game lead in the Eastern Conference standings and the possibility Cunningham could return sooner than expected if he avoided a major rib injury.

Why it matters

Cunningham, the Pistons' 24-year-old star guard, is averaging career-highs in assists and steals. His absence is a major blow, but the team has continued to win without him, raising hopes they can maintain their position atop the East while he recovers.

The details

The Pistons improved to 50-19 on the season with a 117-95 win over the Wizards on Thursday, reaching 50 wins for the first time in 18 years. Jalen Duren led the way with 24 points and 11 rebounds. The team's next 5 games are against tough opponents like the Warriors, Lakers, Hawks, Pelicans, and Timberwolves.

  • Cunningham was diagnosed with a collapsed lung and is expected to miss at least 8 games.
  • The Pistons announced Cunningham's injury but did not specify a rib injury, leading to speculation he could return sooner.

The players

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' 24-year-old star guard who is averaging career-highs in assists and steals this season.

Jalen Duren

The Pistons' center who led the team with 24 points and 11 rebounds in the win over the Wizards.

Brian Windhorst

An ESPN reporter who provided analysis on Cunningham's injury and the Pistons' strong play without him.

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What they’re saying

“The good news is they got a four-game lead in the Eastern Conference standings for the one seed. I do think seeding is less important this year than health, obviously, but the Pistons worked very hard. It would be terrific if they could get the one seed so they have some cushion there. They've played okay without Cade, they're 5-2 without him.”

— Brian Windhorst, ESPN Reporter

“When the Pistons announced this injury, they did not announce a rib injury. Now, maybe they're not giving it all, but if he avoided a major rib injury, that could potentially be more positive for him to come back on the shorter time frame.”

— Brian Windhorst, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.