Cade

Cunningham

With Cade Cunningham (lung) out for at least two weeks, the door is open for Jenkins to be a league winner for fantasy managers. Unfortunately, the second-year guard had a rough night shooting the basketball, making one of his nine two-point attempts. Jenkins shot the ball slightly better from two, but the 3-of-16 night won’t do managers any favors. Caris LeVert (14/5/2/4) was more productive coming off the bench, but he logged 22 minutes to Jenkins’ 34.

Cunningham had to leave Tuesday’s win over the Wizards with back spasms, but the issue is worse than that. The Pistons announced on Thursday that he has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. Daniss Jenkins was the replacement in the starting lineup the last time Cunningham missed time, and he’s a worthwhile pickup for fantasy managers. Marcus Sasser and Caris LeVert may also take on enhanced roles in Cunningham’s absence.

Injured during the first quarter of Tuesday’s win over the Wizards, Cunningham has already been ruled out for Thursday’s rematch. Daniss Jenkins has been the replacement in the lineup in prior instances when Cunningham wasn’t available, and that may be the case in this spot as well. Marcus Sasser and Caris LeVert may also see their opportunities to serve as playmakers within the rotation.

Cunningham had six points in five minutes before heading to the locker room early in Tuesday’s game against the Wizards. The 24-year-old point guard ended up being ruled out for the rest of the game with back spasms, according to the Pistons. With Cunningham out, Daniss Jenkins and Marcus Sasser figure to handle the point guard duties for Detroit.

Cunningham had failed to reach 20 points in two games in a row, but bounced back with this effort in a loss to the Raptors on Sunday. The 24-year-old point guard had nine assists after recording 28 combined in the last two games. Cunningham has provided third-round per game value over the last two weeks despite the point-scoring blip. The Pistons have three games upcoming in Week 21, starting with a matchup against the Wizards on Tuesday.

After recording 13 assists in Thursday’s win over the Nets, Cunningham was even better against the Grizzlies. The Pistons’ star point guard racked up 15 helpers on Friday, the second time in three games that he’s hit that number. Cunningham also brought more to the table as a scorer, getting into double figures after scoring eight points on Thursday. He’ll likely run into greater resistance when the Pistons visit the Raptors on Sunday.

The Pistons were able to pull away from the 76ers in the third quarter, despite Cunningham having a limited impact as a scorer. The All-Star guard attempted just six shots in the night, a season-low, with this being the second time he’s failed to put up at least ten. The good news is that Cunningham recorded 13 assists, the fifth time in the last six games that he’s dished out ten or more.

Coming off a four-game losing streak that included an embarrassing home loss to the Nets with Cunningham out of the lineup, the Pistons were highly motivated for Tuesday’s game against the Nets. Cunningham was able to produce 21 points, 15 assists and four three-pointers in just 26 minutes in the 138-100 victory. The Pistons have three more games this week, starting with a matchup against the 76ers on Thursday.

Cunningham missed Saturday’s home loss to the Nets with a quad injury, but returned Sunday against the Heat. The Pistons still suffered a similar result, falling to the Heat by 11 points, though Cunningham played well with 26 points and 10 assists. He’s provided third-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Pistons have four games coming up in Week 20, starting with a matchup against the Nets on Tuesday.

Cunningham is back after missing Saturday’s loss to the Nets. His return pushes Daniss Jenkins to the bench, with Marcus Sasser starting alongside the Pistons’ All-Star guard. Duncan Robinson, Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren complete the starting five.