Pistons Clinch Top Seed in East Despite Cunningham Injury

Merlin sees Detroit clinch the No. 1 seed in the East with a 116-93 win over Philadelphia, even as Cade Cunningham battles a collapsed lung diagnosed March 19. Cunningham, averaging 24.5 points and 9.9 assists, has missed time and the Pistons leaned on Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson and Tobias Harris while also coping without Isaiah Stewart. The result is simple: Detroit arrives in the playoffs atop the conference, but much rides on players getting healthy. Merlin notes the young core has grown since last season’s first round exit, yet their fate hinges on recovery and depth. If Cunningham and Stewart return fully, Detroit looks like a real threat; if not, the top seed may feel fragile against Boston, Milwaukee and Philly.