Cade Cunningham To Return From Collapsed Lung Wednesday Against Bucks
April 8, 2026
RealGM Basketball Wiretap
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham is expected to play Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks, sources told ESPN, marking his return from a collapsed left lung that sidelined him for 11 games. Cunningham suffered the injury March 17 against the Washington Wizards. Initial assessments suggested he would miss the remainder of the regular season and only ramp up during the week before the playoffs open April 18.
Instead, Cunningham recovered ahead of schedule and is available for Detroit's final three regular-season contests after appearing on the injury report as doubtful in recent days. In 61 games this season, Cunningham is posting 24.5 points, 9.9 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game in 34.4 minutes. Detroit thrived during his absence, going 8-3 and clinching home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs on Saturday. His injury has carried implications beyond the court. The National Basketball Players Association is now pushing to eliminate the 65-game minimum requirement for postseason award eligibility, citing Cunningham's situation as a breaking point for a rule the union accepted three years ago.
RealGM Basketball Wiretap
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