DETROIT — Detroit Pistons All-Star guard Cade Cunningham is expected to miss at least two weeks after suffering a collapsed lung. The injury occurred during a game on Tuesday as the Pistons maintain their lead in the Eastern Conference.
The Pistons are 49-19 and on pace for their best season in nearly two decades. Cunningham is averaging 24.5 points and 9.9 assists per game for a Detroit team that currently holds the top spot in the East with 14 games left in the regular season.
Cunningham was injured during the first quarter of Tuesday’s game against the Washington Wizards. He collided with Wizards guard Tre Johnson while diving for a loose ball with 7:44 remaining in the opening period. Cunningham remained in the game for just over a minute before checking out.
The Pistons initially described the injury as back spasms and listed Cunningham as out for Thursday’s game in Washington with a left back contusion. The Associated Press and ESPN later confirmed the diagnosis as a collapsed lung. A specific date for his return to the court has not been established.
The expected absence could impact Cunningham’s eligibility for postseason awards. NBA rules require players to appear in at least 65 games to be eligible for honors such as the All-NBA team. Cunningham has played in 61 games so far this season with 14 games remaining on the schedule.
Detroit has less than four weeks remaining in the regular season. The team is not expected to start its playoff run until April 18 or 19. The Pistons currently lead the Boston Celtics by 3 1/2 games for the top seed in the conference.