Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, a leading MVP candidate, has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung and is expected to miss an extended period of time.
The 24-year-old All-Star averages 25.4 points, 9.5 assists, and 5.8 rebounds this season, leading Detroit to a 49-19 record and the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Cunningham has transformed the Pistons from historic losers into title contenders. Three seasons ago, Detroit posted a 28-game losing streak and finished 14-68.
The NBA playoffs begin April 18. His return timeline remains uncertain, though past cases suggest a recovery window of one to two months.