Cade Cunningham Out for Pistons-Pelicans Game Due to Injury

New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum will take a maintenance day and miss the upcoming game against the Detroit Pistons, following a standout performance where he scored 40 points. Meanwhile, Pistons star Cade Cunningham has also been ruled out due to left calf soreness, a surprising late scratch just before the game. Cunningham, who has had a strong season averaging 25.7 points, was pivotal in Detroit's push for a playoff spot, currently sitting at the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. In his absence, Dennis Schroder will start for the Pistons, who recently defeated the Pelicans by a significant margin. The Pelicans, struggling this season with the second-worst record in the Western Conference, will also be without Zion Williamson, who is sidelined due to a back injury. Both teams are experiencing contrasting trajectories, with the Pistons aiming for playoff success while the Pelicans look to rebuild.