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Cade Cunningham Out Two Weeks with Collapsed Lung

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons has a mild collapsed lung and will be sidelined for at least two weeks.
Injury jeopardizes Cunningham's eligibility for NBA awards under the league's 65-game rule, which critics say is too rigid.
Draymond Green and Zach Lowe have condemned the rule as unfair to performing players.
Detroit leads the Eastern Conference and may lean on Jalen Duren in Cunningham's absence as playoffs begin April 18.

History

Historical Context

The NBA's 65-game rule, introduced in 2023 to ensure award eligibility, reflects ongoing tensions between player health and competitive integrity. This debate intensified after incidents like the 2017 suspension of players for resting during games, which critics argue undermines fan engagement. As the Detroit Pistons lead the Eastern Conference, they may rely on Jalen Duren as playoffs approach on April 18, 2023.

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Story summary

Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons has a mild collapsed lung and will be sidelined for at least two weeks.
Injury jeopardizes Cunningham's eligibility for NBA awards under the league's 65-game rule, which critics say is too rigid.
Draymond Green and Zach Lowe have condemned the rule as unfair to performing players.
Detroit leads the Eastern Conference and may lean on Jalen Duren in Cunningham's absence as playoffs begin April 18.

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