The Detroit Pistons are getting healthy at the perfect time, and it could reshape the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
After clinching the No. 1 seed, Detroit now appears close to welcoming back All-Star guard Cade Cunningham ahead of the postseason. Cunningham has been listed as questionable for Wednesday night’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. With the playoffs less than two weeks away, Detroit is aligning its health with its championship window.
Cade Cunningham’s Progress Signals Imminent Return
The Pistons offered their first real sign of optimism earlier this week when Cunningham was upgraded to doubtful ahead of Monday’s loss to the Orlando Magic before ultimately being ruled out. While he did not play, the designation shift was significant.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff emphasized the steady progress both Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart have made during recovery.
“Both of them are progressing. They are doing more and more each day,” Bickerstaff said before the Magic game. “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.”
Cunningham has now entered a return-to-play protocol under team supervision. The organization has been cautious, but the trajectory is clear. Detroit wants him ramped up before the postseason begins on April 19.
“There’s no way to replicate what a game is other than playing the game,” Bickerstaff added. “Especially ramping up to the intensity of playoff basketball, it would be beneficial for the guys and the group.”
For Cunningham, the Pistons’ are just hoping to get him some live reps before the playoffs where the game gets more physical and the stakes rise.
Detroit’s Depth Has Bought Time and Confidence
Even without Cunningham, the Pistons have continued to dominate. Detroit enters Wednesday at 57-22 and has gone 8-3 during his absence, a stretch that secured the top seed in the East. That success has allowed the team to prioritize health over urgency. It also reinforces how dangerous this roster becomes when fully intact.
Before the injury, Cunningham was firmly in MVP conversations, averaging 24.5 points and 9.9 assists. His return would restore Detroit’s offensive engine while elevating a team that has already proven it can win without him.
There is also positive momentum across the roster. Isaiah Stewart has been upgraded to questionable after missing 13 games with a calf strain. Meanwhile, Tobias Harris is off the injury report entirely after dealing with a knee issue.
The Pistons have already proven they can win shorthanded. If Cunningham returns healthy, they may become the most complete team in the Eastern Conference heading into the playoffs. The championship window is open and things are lining up perfectly for them to make a run.