After a tough defeat to the Brooklyn Nets, the Detroit Pistons are preparing to face the Miami Heat on Sunday, March 8. The team’s All-Star guard, Cade Cunningham, remains the focal point on the injury report as the Pistons hope for his availability. Cunningham had been sidelined due to a quad injury that forced him out of the recent Brooklyn game, though there was a possibility he might play.
Before the Nets matchup, Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff provided an update on Cunningham’s condition, indicating a cautious but hopeful outlook.
Deuce, I think, will be more day-to-day,
Bickerstaff told reporters before the matchup.
We’ll just keep an eye on him. We’ll see how he responds and how he recovers, but hopefully, it’s not a long-term thing.
Injury Developments and Game-Time Decisions
Cunningham has since been upgraded to probable for the upcoming game against the Miami Heat. Though no definitive status had been announced earlier on Sunday, this upgrade suggests that the Pistons are optimistic about his ability to play. His participation will ultimately depend on how he feels closer to tipoff, with the official injury report expected to clarify his availability.
The last time Cunningham appeared on the court was on March 5 during an away game against the San Antonio Spurs. He logged nearly 40 minutes but struggled with his shooting accuracy, making only 10 of 26 field goal attempts. Despite his efforts, contributing 26 points, eight assists, and four rebounds, Detroit suffered a heavy loss.
Team Adjustments Without Cunningham
In Cunningham’s absence against Brooklyn, the Pistons started Marcus Sasser and Daniss Jenkins. Sasser played 29 minutes, tallying eight points and four assists, while Jenkins spent 35 minutes on the floor, scoring 11 points and dishing out nine assists. Tobias Harris led Detroit in scoring that night with 18 points on efficient shooting.
The team fell short in a close 107-105 game, highlighting the challenges faced without their star guard on the court.
Other Injury Concerns Impacting Detroit
The Pistons are also managing additional injuries among their starters. Ausar Thompson sustained an ankle injury, resulting in a downgrade and likely ruling him out for the upcoming Heat game. Coach Bickerstaff expressed uncertainty about Thompson’s near-term return, signaling a setback for the team’s depth.
Veteran center Jalen Duren, who dealt with back spasms, has been a questionable presence. Duren managed to play against Brooklyn despite discomfort, but his condition remains a concern as the team approaches the second game of its back-to-back schedule.
The Pistons and Heat game is set to tip off at 6 PM ET, with Detroit eager to return to form but anxious given their key players’ injury statuses.
Both Ausar Thompson (right ankle sprain) & Cade Cunningham (left quadriceps contusion) are out tonight.
Regarding their respective returns, Bickerstaff said it’s “going to be a minute” for Thompson. As for Cunningham, the team hopes it is not a long-term thing. pic.twitter.com/MuZIiLePP8
— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) March 7, 2026
