The 2025 NBA playoffs are finally here, and for the Detroit Pistons, it’s not just about being back. They’re out to prove how far they’ve come! They want to show the world that this young squad is built for the big stage. It’s been a long road for this group, full of growing pains, underdog grit, and flashes of brilliance that kept fans believing. But as Game 1 against the New York Knicks looms, one name continues to hang over Detroit’s playoff hopes like a question mark: Cade Cunningham. The former No. 1 pick isn’t just the face of the franchise; he’s the engine.
Detroit’s regular season had its highs and heartbreaks, but nothing has mattered more in recent weeks than Cunningham’s health. Cunningham’s flair for the clutch, cool decision-making, and late-game poise have all painted the picture of a star ascending. Still, after battling knee issues and missing key games, fans couldn’t help but wonder. Would the Pistons have their floor general ready for the biggest night of the year?
Detroit Pistons Injury Report: Is Cunningham fit to play?
Good news first, Pistons fans: they can finally rest easy. Cade Cunningham is officially good to go. The Pistons’ superstar is not listed on the Game 1 injury report, signaling he’s locked in for their playoff opener against the Knicks. That’s a major sigh of relief for Detroit fans, especially after he torched New York for 36 points just days ago. But not everything is smooth sailing. As NBA reporter Coty Davis tweeted, “Jaden Ivey (Left fibula fracture, out)” for tonight’s game.
It’s another tough blow for the Pistons, who’ve learned to operate without Ivey since his injury in January. The team still misses his athleticism and scoring punch, especially in high-tempo matchups like this one. So while Cunningham’s return steadies the ship, Ivey’s continued absence keeps a chunk of Detroit’s firepower on the sidelines.
Cade’s road back hasn’t exactly been a walk in the park. He picked up that left calf contusion during a bruising clash with the Mavericks, and the Pistons wasted no time shutting him down for a few games. They called it “day-to-day,” but fans knew the vibes weren’t great when he missed key matchups, including one against the top-seeded Cavs.
Without Cade steering the ship, Detroit looked a little lost. Shots didn’t come as easily, the offense felt rushed, and that steady hand in crunch time just wasn’t there. But now, with the playoffs officially tipping off, the Pistons finally get their guy back. And make no mistake, his return could shift the tone of this whole series.
And with Cade back in the mix, Detroit’s offense can finally breathe again. His presence doesn’t just steady the court, it unlocks everyone else’s game! Guys like Tobias Harris and Ausar Thompson feed off his rhythm, and when he’s cooking, the Pistons start looking like a real playoff threat.
But while fans were busy celebrating his return, a recent incident from earlier this month still has people talking. Before Cade was battling injuries, he was battling referees. And he ended it by getting himself tossed from a game in OKC. Now, just as the postseason pressure hits its peak, the league’s explanation is raising even more eyebrows.
Cade Cunningham’s shock ejection explained: What really went down vs OKC
Cade Cunningham getting tossed in the Pistons’ late-season game against the Thunder still has fans scratching their heads. It all went down in the third quarter when Cunningham, frustrated over a no-call on a drive, exchanged a few heated words with the officials. What followed was a quick double-technical, boom, ejection. The Head coach, Monty Williams, didn’t hold back postgame, ripping into the referees for what he called “an emotional overreach” in a high-stakes situation, as the Pistons’ bench stood stunned.
According to the official NBA Last Two Minute Report and follow-up statements from the referees’ pool, Cunningham’s ejection stemmed from “continued unsportsmanlike conduct,” though they didn’t go into specifics. Fans, however, weren’t buying it. Social media lit up with reactions defending the Pistons star, calling the decision “soft” and “completely unnecessary.” And with the playoffs looming back then, losing their leader, even for a night, left a sour taste for Detroit faithful. Luckily, Cade’s fire from that night now fuels a bigger mission: redemption in the postseason spotlight.
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