Cade

Cunningham

Cunningham followed an impressive 39-point outing with another stellar showing in Wednesday’s win. The former first-overall pick continued to fill it up efficiently as a scorer, but his impact as a facilitator more closely resembled his dominant ways during the regular season than in Game 1. He was the only player in Wednesday’s contest to reach double figures in assists, which, combined with his team-high in points, led to a double-double. Cunningham’s seven turnovers in this game are notable. Yet, the positives outweighed the negatives in the decisive bounce-back victory.

Cunningham led all players in scoring on Sunday, nearly logging as many points as minutes played. The points came from all levels — the three-point line, midrange, and at the rim — while he also did damage at the charity stripe. Yet, the superstar point guard couldn’t manage to get his teammates going as effectively as he had done throughout the regular season, as reflected in the four total assists he generated. Nonetheless, Cunningham did a lot for the Pistons on the offensive end on Sunday, and will need his teammates to make larger contributions in Game 2. Tobias Harris was the only other Detroit player to score in double figures on Sunday.

The NBA ruled in favor of Cunningham and Doncic on their Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge for the 65-game award rule. Both players will now be eligible for season honors such as MVP and All-NBA teams. Doncic missed two games in December due to the birth of his child and Cunningham suffered a collapsed lung. Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards also filed a challenge, but was denied and is not eligible for awards, according to Charania.

Playing for the second time since returning from a collapsed lung, Cunningham had a very similar game to his return against the Bucks on Wednesday. The 24-year-old point guard had 14 points on 13 attempts from the field and played 28 minutes. When Cunningham is completely healthy, he regularly plays over 30 minutes and takes over 20 shots per game. The Pistons are still taking it easy with their superstar, which is probably wise with Detroit already having clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

Cunningham recorded a double-double in his first game back from a lung pneumothorax that sidelined him for 11 games. More important was the playing time, as he logged 26 minutes without incident. The Pistons have games on Friday and Sunday to end their regular season, so Cunningham will have opportunities to sharpen his skills against competition. However, with the Pistons locked into the top seed in the East, Daniss Jenkins will still play solid minutes in those remaining games. Jenkins finished Wednesday’s victory with nine points, five rebounds, six assists and one three-pointer in 21 minutes.

After an 11-game absence, Cunningham is good to go for Wednesday’s game. His minutes are likely to be managed, as the Pistons are locked into the top seed in the East. These final three games will be about Cunningham shaking off the rust ahead of the playoffs. Daniss Jenkins will head to the bench, but he will remain in the rotation. The Pistons will have their regular starting lineup, with Ausar Thompson, Duncan Robinson, Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren completing the quintet.

Cunningham will return after a lengthy absence, but his minutes may be managed. Detroit has a winning record with its star point guard sidelined, and Detroit has the No. 1 seed locked up. The Pistons have the luxury of easing Cunningham back into action, so if you’re playing fantasy hoops, you should hang onto Daniss Jenkins.

Cunningham continues to progress after suffering a collapsed lung in a March game against the Wizards. The 24-year-old point guard was listed as doubtful before being ruled out Monday against the Magic, so his questionable status for Wednesday’s game against the Bucks represents progress. Daniss Jenkins will start again if Cunningham is ultimately ruled out.

As expected, Cunningham won’t suit up against Orlando, but the initial doubtful tag is an indication that he could be getting closer to a return. With the playoffs start in less than two weeks, that is a good sign, even if he doesn’t play again during this regular season. Daniss Jenkins will continue to start until Cunningham is back.

While the doubtful tag suggests it’s more likely Cunningham will not return on Monday, the status change is an upgrade. On April 2, it was announced that he would be re-evaluated in a week, so a return before the playoffs may be within reach. Daniss Jenkins has filled in admirably as the starting point guard in Cunningham’s absence, and Jalen Duren has been able to do more facilitating from the center position.