Pistons Trending Towards Healthy Roster as Playoffs Approach

Cade Cunningham and other key starters look to return from injury before the postseason begins.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:06pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of deep blue, bright orange, and metallic silver, capturing the dynamic energy and intensity of the sport.The Pistons' depth and versatility have kept them atop the East, and a healthy roster could make them the favorites heading into the playoffs.Today in Detroit

The Detroit Pistons are getting healthy at the perfect time, with All-Star guard Cade Cunningham trending towards a return from a collapsed lung injury before the playoffs. Even without Cunningham, the Pistons have continued to dominate, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference. The team's depth has allowed them to prioritize health over urgency, and with Cunningham, Isaiah Stewart, and Tobias Harris all nearing returns, the Pistons may become the most complete team in the East heading into the postseason.

Why it matters

The Pistons' ability to maintain their success without key players like Cunningham has reinforced how dangerous this roster can be when fully healthy. Cunningham's return would restore Detroit's offensive engine and elevate a team that has already proven it can win shorthanded, potentially making them the favorites in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The details

Cunningham has been listed as questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, marking his most encouraging injury update since suffering a collapsed left lung on March 19. The star guard has missed 11 straight games, but his progression suggests a return is imminent. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff emphasized the steady progress both Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart have made during recovery, with Stewart also being upgraded to questionable after missing 13 games with a calf strain. Tobias Harris is also off the injury report entirely after dealing with a knee issue.

  • Cunningham has missed 11 straight games since suffering a collapsed left lung on March 19.
  • Cunningham was upgraded to questionable for the Pistons' game against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 12.
  • The NBA playoffs are set to begin on April 19.

The players

Cade Cunningham

An All-Star guard for the Detroit Pistons who has been sidelined with a collapsed left lung since March 19.

Isaiah Stewart

A Pistons player who has been upgraded to questionable after missing 13 games with a calf strain.

Tobias Harris

A Pistons player who is off the injury report entirely after dealing with a knee issue.

J.B. Bickerstaff

The head coach of the Detroit Pistons.

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What they’re saying

“Both of them are progressing. They are doing more and more each day. With both of these things, it is always about how you respond the next day. I don't want to jump out there and say anything, but so far, so good. They are taking steps in the right direction.”

— J.B. Bickerstaff, Head Coach, Detroit Pistons

“There's no way to replicate what a game is other than playing the game. Especially ramping up to the intensity of playoff basketball, it would be beneficial for the guys and the group.”

— J.B. Bickerstaff, Head Coach, Detroit Pistons

What’s next

The Pistons will continue to monitor Cunningham's progress and determine if he can return in time for the team's playoff opener on April 19.

The takeaway

The Pistons' ability to maintain their success without key players like Cunningham has reinforced the team's depth and versatility. With Cunningham, Stewart, and Harris all nearing returns, the Pistons may become the most complete team in the Eastern Conference heading into the playoffs, potentially making them the favorites to win the conference title.