The news of Cade Cunningham returning to full practice after a recent injury has captured the attention of Detroit Pistons fans and basketball enthusiasts. This development has sparked renewed interest in Cunningham’s recovery, his impact on the team, and the timing of his return.
Here’s a quick breakdown: Cunningham’s injury, return, and impact on the Pistons’ NBA Cup push.
Cade Cunningham set to return for Pistons vs Milwaukee
The Detroit Pistons are set to have Cade Cunningham back for Tuesday night’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Cup group stage.
Cunningham has been dealing with a hip injury and missed four of the Pistons’ last five games. He was also a late scratch before Saturday’s game against the 76ers (via Sports Illustrated). His return is crucial as Detroit looks to advance to the tournament’s knockout phase.
Cunningham’s injury stemmed from a pelvis issue sustained during a game against the Charlotte Hornets. He was ruled out entirely for the November 23 game against Orlando. His status improved to “doubtful” for subsequent matchups, but he did not play in those games. However, Cunningham returned for Friday’s game against Indiana, where he posted 24 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, and two steals in 32 minutes. His performance helped the Pistons secure a dominant 24-point win.
Although Cunningham was not listed on the injury report and was announced as a starter for Saturday’s game against the 76ers, he was ruled out shortly before tip-off. Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff explained that the decision was made based on how Cunningham felt during pregame warmups. He emphasized that the change in status was not due to a new setback.
On Monday, Cunningham participated fully in the Pistons’ practice, signaling a return to form. As confirmed by the team’s injury report, he is no longer listed, solidifying his availability for Tuesday’s game. In November, Cunningham averaged 22.7 points, 9.6 assists, and 7.8 rebounds over 35.9 minutes per game, underscoring his importance to the team.
With Detroit eyeing an NBA Cup knockout berth, Cunningham’s return provides a timely boost. If he performs as he did last week against Indiana, the Pistons could pose a significant challenge to the Bucks.
