As the Detroit Pistons took on the Toronto Raptors at home, NBA fans were excited to see the veteran star Cade Cunningham on the bench for Detroit.
Recently, Cunningham suffered a collapsed lung, which is expected to keep him off the court for several weeks of action.
Cunningham wasn’t suited up on Tuesday night, but his presence was a great sign. After the game, Pistons center Jalen Duren spoke on having the guard around in a game setting.
âIt was great. Heâs been around,” Duren told reporters after the game.
“Heâs been vocal. His presence has always been there since he went down. The fans havenât seen him at a game, but he hasnât gone anywhere. Heâs still been with us. Still communicating every game and every practice. Weâve still been able to see him at the facility. It was just another day for us.â
Duren and the Pistons defeated the Raptors 127-116.
The veteran center checked in for 35 minutes and scored 31 points, while coming down with nine rebounds and blocking one shot on the defensive end.
How Long Has Cade Cunningham Been Out?
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 08: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball against Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat during the first quarter at Kaseya Center on March 08, 2026 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Just five minutes into the Pistons’ March 17 game against the Washington Wizards, Cunningham went out with what looked like a back injury.
It turned out that wasn’t the case. Cunningham was later diagnosed with a collapsed lung.
The Pistons’ official statement on Cunningham was released on March 19.
âAfter further testing, Pistons guard Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a left lung pneumothorax. Cunningham exited Tuesday’s game vs. the Wizards in the first quarter. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks.”
The two-week mark is approaching on April 2. The Pistons are slated to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, leaving the Pistons an opportunity to offer an update before the action.
Cunningham’s absence on Tuesday marked his eighth of the stretch.
The Detroit Pistons Are Finding Success Without Cade Cunningham
GettyTORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 15: Wendell Moore Jr. #14 of the Detroit Pistons talks with teammate Cade Cunningham #2 during the Emirates NBA Cup game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 15, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images)
There was an initial worry about the Pistons’ ability to keep the Eastern Conference’s top seed after losing Cunningham for a minimum of two weeks.
However, the Pistons have remained strong in his absence. The team fired off three wins in a row after the injury. They lost in overtime against the Atlanta Hawks on March 25. After bouncing back with two wins, the Pistons fell short against the Oklahoma City Thunder in overtime on March 30.
With a win over the Raptors, the Pistons are now 6-2 since Cunningham went out.
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