Cunningham Out, Pistons Host Cavaliers

The Detroit Pistons' star player, Cade Cunningham, is set to miss his third consecutive game due to a left calf contusion as they prepare to host the Eastern Conference leaders, the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite Cunningham's absence, the Pistons have maintained strong performances, with rookie Marcus Sasser stepping up to score a career-high 27 points in a recent victory against the San Antonio Spurs. Under new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, the Pistons have significantly improved from their previous season, holding the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 41-32 record and showcasing strong defensive and offensive cohesion. Cunningham's breakout season has been pivotal in the Pistons' turnaround, averaging 25.7 points, 9.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game, and he is considered a frontrunner for the NBA's Most Improved Player Award. The team hopes for his return soon to continue their playoff push, while players like Dennis Schröder and Tobias Harris are expected to fill in during his absence.