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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 26: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons poses for a portrait during Detroit Pistons Media Day at Little Caesars Arena on September 26, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
On Sunday, April 12, Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons will close out their 2025-2026 regular season with a matchup against the Indiana Pacers.
Although Cunningham’s collapsed lung suggested he might miss the remainder of the regular season, the star guard has made it back in time for the final few games.
Despite the Pistons’ status as the Eastern Conference’s top seed, Cunningham is planning to play in the finale, according to the Pistons’ injury report.
Ahead of the final regular season game of his fifth year, Cunningham posted a brief message on Instagram for his one million followers.
via Cade Cunningham on Instagram: Thank you for the love and support ❤️🔥
NBA Fans Show Love To Cade Cunningham Before NBA Playoffs
GettyTORONTO, CANADA – FEBRUARY 11: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons reacts against the Toronto Raptors during the second half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on February 11, 2026 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images)
insidethe_bactcave: MVP MVP MVP🔥🔥.
plofficial: Cade, I speak for the ENTIRE STATE, when I say it’s good to have you BACK! Now let’s get this CHIP FOR DETROIT!
rocco_313_: Why does Cade leak with AURA 🔥🙌😝.
sparklegirla: Excellent job. I was at the game praying for your lungs. 🙌.
newbranches: Big dawg top shotta.
adnanrammouni: Great to have you back Cade!🙏.
downtowndeuce: Cade is going to lead us to our first chip in 22 years.
gidjabeers: Promise Land awaits😁.
codydado: You saved Detroit sports single handily.
What’s Next For Cade Cunningham And The Pistons?
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 17: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons points skyward before playing against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 17, 2026 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Prior to going down with a collapsed lung in late March, Cade Cunningham was having an MVP-caliber season.
While Cunningham’s absence certainly derailed his chances of winning the MVP award, he should be in the running for All-NBA.
However, Cunningham will come up short of the 65-game rule. There is a process that could help him become eligible, but that’s not a guarantee at this time. Cunningham is simply just controlling what he’s able to control as the season concludes.
Leading up to the final game, Cunningham has made 63 appearances. The veteran guard has shot 46.3% from the field and 34.4% from three to score 24.2 points per game. The two-time All-Star has dished out 9.8 assists per game, while coming down with 5.5 rebounds per game.
Cunningham is gearing up for his second NBA Playoff run. Last season, Cunningham averaged 25.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists in the postseason.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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