The Detroit Pistons are playing the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, April 8, in a game that will be marked by the return of NBA star Cade Cunningham.
Cunningham has missed the past 11 games for the Pistons with a collapsed lung, but after previously being questionable earlier in the day, he has been upgraded to available.
After the news of Cunningham’s return, Detroit announced its starting lineup and final injury report for the contest against the Bucks.
Cade Cunningham Injury Update
Cunningham was listed as questionable for much of the day; however, as Vincent Goodwill of ESPN first reported, he is set to make his return to action against the Bucks after an extended absence from the collapsed lung.
“Cade Cunningham is expected to make his return this evening for the Detroit Pistons after missing time with an injured lung, sources tell ESPN,” he wrote on X.
The Pistons star has played just 61 games so far this season, and while previously an MVP and All-NBA candidate, he has since been ruled ineligible for end-of-season awards, as even if he does play in Detroit’s final three games of the year, he still wouldn’t hit the 65-game mark.
However, as Goodwill reported, Cunningham could do the same thing Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers plans to do, and file for an appeal for the 65-game rule by using the “extraordinary circumstances challenge.”
“There is language in the collective bargaining agreement, called the “extraordinary circumstances challenge” that would allow Cunningham’s situation to be reviewed by an independent arbitrator,” Goodwill wrote. “The independent arbitrator would be jointly selected by the NBA and the NBPA and the language is broad, so Cunningham could have a chance to qualify.”
In his 61 games, Cunningham has averaged 24.5 points, 9.9 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals on 46.1% shooting.
Detroit Pistons Starting Lineup Vs. Bucks
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 24: Cade Cunningham #2 and Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons celebrate a 106-97 win over the LA Clippers at Little Caesars Arena on February 24, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.
Before the game, the Pistons took to social media to announce the starting lineup for Wednesday.
In his return, Cunningham got the nod as a starter, as did Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, and Jalen Duren.
This is the typical starting lineup the Pistons have used for most of the season, when all of those players have been healthy.
Daniss Jenkins had been starting over Cunningham, but he’s since been relegated to the bench in a sixth-man role for the time being. Still, he will be a crucial piece for the team when the playoffs come around.
Pistons Injury Report
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 24: Isaiah Stewart #28 of the Detroit Pistons stands on the court during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on October 24, 2025 in Houston, Texas.
Along with the Cunningham injury update, the Pistons had a few changes on the injury report for Wednesday against Milwaukee.
Firstly, Isaiah Stewart, an important member of the roster and one of the top enforcers in the NBA, was upgraded to available and is set to play after missing a few weeks with a calf strain.
“I’m feeling good now,” Stewart told reporters. “I want to be there for my teammates come playoffs. I’m able to play, and I’m available, which is the most important thing.”
Along with him, Detroit had Kevin Huerter listed on the injury report, questionable for much of the day. He was later ruled out for the game.
The Pistons are 57-22 and have clinched the top seed in the East, the first time in the league to clinch a playoff spot. It is Detroit’s first time finishing the regular season in 19 years, as they have sat atop the conference for most of the season.
Still, the most important thing for the team is the return of Cunningham after the franchise star missed 11 games with what was originally a concerning lung injury.
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