Cade Cunningham Eyes Pistons Playoff Return

Merlin sees Detroit’s star Cade Cunningham making steady progress after a collapsed lung, with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting there is "optimism" he could return before the playoffs. Cunningham took part in an on-court workout and "will be evaluated every day." He has missed games since March 17, and his return would restore the Pistons’ primary creator as they sit 57-21 and hold the East’s top seed. Merlin notes Cunningham is more than a scorer. At 24.5 points and 9.9 assists per game he is Detroit’s engine and a key matchup problem for opponents. The team will prioritize caution, so the timeline will follow health not dates. If he returns near full strength, the Pistons’ ceiling climbs sharply and their postseason outlook brightens.