Pistons Injury Report: Cade Cunningham In vs Heat, Ausar Thompson Out

Cade Cunningham is likely to return for the Detroit Pistons in Miami, but Ausar Thompson will miss his second consecutive game.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Detroit Pistons will have Cade Cunningham (left quad contusion) back in the lineup for their Sunday road game against the Miami Heat, but Ausar Thompson (right ankle sprain) will miss his second straight game. Caris LeVert (left wrist sprain) will also sit out the Miami matchup.

Why it matters

The Pistons have lost three consecutive games and need Cunningham, their star player, back on the court as they try to end their skid. Thompson's absence is also a concern, as the rookie has been a key contributor this season.

The details

Cunningham is listed as probable after missing one game due to his quad contusion. Thompson, however, will miss his second straight game with a right ankle sprain. The team has not provided a timeline for his return, but coach J.B. Bickerstaff implied it will be a multi-game absence. Caris LeVert will also miss the Miami game due to a left wrist sprain.

  • Cunningham missed the Pistons' previous game on Saturday against the Brooklyn Nets.
  • Thompson exited the Pistons' loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday early in the first quarter.
  • The Pistons' next game after Miami is on Tuesday at the Brooklyn Nets.

The players

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' star player who is likely to return from a left quad contusion injury.

Ausar Thompson

The Pistons' rookie who will miss his second consecutive game due to a right ankle sprain.

Caris LeVert

The Pistons' player who will miss the Miami game due to a left wrist sprain.

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What they’re saying

“The team hasn't set a timeline for his return, but coach J.B. Bickerstaff implied it will be a multi-game absence.”

— J.B. Bickerstaff, Pistons Head Coach (freep.com)

What’s next

The Pistons will look to end their three-game losing streak when they take on the Heat on Sunday. After that, they'll travel to Brooklyn to face the Nets on Tuesday.

The takeaway

The Pistons need Cade Cunningham back on the court as they try to snap their three-game skid, but the loss of rookie Ausar Thompson to an ankle injury is also a concern as the team tries to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference playoff race.