The Detroit Pistons are riding a wave of momentum, largely fueled by the All-Star caliber play of Cade Cunningham. However, as they approach their matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night, they face the challenge of competing without their star player due to injury.
Cunningham is nursing a hip injury, initially diagnosed as a contusion earlier this week, which has now led to his being ruled out for the second consecutive game. This injury setback comes after a season where Cunningham showed substantial improvement, averaging 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 9.1 assists over 70 games, and earning his first All-Star selection along with All-NBA honors.
The young guard has faced health issues throughout his career. His rookie season saw him play just 64 games, while an injury-riddled sophomore year limited him to only 12 appearances. Despite these challenges, Cunningham bounced back impressively in his third season, proving his worth with strong performances that often went unrecognized due to the team’s overall struggles.
This year, he appeared to be on track for another All-Star nod, with impressive early-season averages of 27.5 points, 9.9 assists, and 5.4 rebounds through 11 games. Despite Cunningham’s absence, the Pistons showcased their resilience by securing their eighth straight victory against the Chicago Bulls earlier in the week.
As they prepare for Friday’s game, the Pistons strive to continue their winning streak without Cunningham, aiming for their 10th win. The matchup is set to tip off at 7:30 PM ET against the 76ers, presenting an opportunity for the team to deepen their competitive spirit and demonstrate their potential even in the face of adversity. The season is certainly shaping up to be a promising one for the Pistons, hinting at a bright future led by their star player when he returns to full health.