Cade Cunningham Expected Back vs Bucks After Collapsed Lung

Merlin sees Cade Cunningham, out since March 17 with a collapsed lung after diving for a loose ball, is expected to return Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks, per ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill. Detroit, the East’s No. 1 seed, will be careful; coach J.B. Bickerstaff said, "Both of them are progressing. They are doing more and more each day." Cunningham leads Detroit at 24.5 points and 9.9 assists. Merlin notes the timing is delicate. With the playoffs a breath away, the Pistons will likely ease him back in via short bursts to avoid setbacks. A healthy Cunningham quickly changes Detroit’s ceiling, but rust and load management will shape how big that change looks in round one. Watch the final three regular season games for clues.