All Pistons

Detroit Pistons Make Decision on Cade Cunningham vs Raptors

Will Cade Cunningham face the Raptors on Monday?
Justin Grasso|
Mar 13, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles in the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Mar 13, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles in the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

In this story:

Detroit PistonsToronto Raptors

Monday night will mark an opportunity for the Detroit Pistons to climb out of their slump. Heading into the matchup against the Toronto Raptors, the Pistons understood they could be without their star guard, Cade Cunningham, for the second game in a row.

On Sunday night, the Pistons listed Cunningham as doubtful for the matchup against Toronto. At that point, it was clear there was a high chance he wouldn’t play, but the Pistons held out a small chance of hope.

At this point, it’s clear that Cunningham’s return to the court will have to be put off to another day. According to the Pistons’ injury report, Cunningham is out for the night.

Cunningham’s injury concerns started last Thursday when the Pistons paid a visit to the Charlotte Hornets. In a physical matchup, which featured a fourth-quarter comeback by Detroit, Cunningham had a hard spill. He had to leave the game in the fourth quarter.

When the Pistons and the Hornets met in overtime for an additional period, Cunningham was ruled out for the remainder of the matchup. He finished the night with 27 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds in 36 minutes of action. The Pistons lost by two points.

Heading into the matchup against the Orlando Magic on Saturday, the Pistons ruled out Cunningham right away. Without him, they started Malik Beasley and Jaden Ivey in the backcourt. The duo had a decent outing in the absence of Cunningham, but the Pistons couldn’t keep up with the Magic. The Pistons fell short with an 11-point loss.

The Pistons don’t have a return date in place for Cunningham, but he appears to be moving in the right direction toward returning, as he saw a slight upgrade on the injury report. In addition, Cunningham was spotted putting in work after Detroit’s morning shootaround session on Monday.

The Pistons will tip-off at 7 PM ET against Toronto on Monday.

Published
Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia

Share on XFollow JGrasso_
Home/News