Why Is Cade Cunningham Still Not Playing? Injury Details on Pistons Star Benched for LaMelo Ball Matchup

The Detroit Pistons are going head-to-head against the Charlotte Hornets tonight. The Pistons have been the worst team in the NBA this season. They have won only 4 of their 43 regular season games and are currently on a 3-game losing streak. And LaMelo Ball and co. might extend the Pistons’ losing streak as their superstar, Cade Cunningham, has been ruled out for tonight’s matchup. Tonight is the 8th consecutive game that the Pistons are playing without Cunningham.

Pistons head coach Monty Williams revealed why Cunningham is missing the highly anticipated matchup against LaMelo Ball. “We feel like he (Cade Cunningham) needs more reps, get his conditioning up there,” Williams said. Cade reportedly needs to get back in game shape following his 7-game absence due to a knee injury.

Cunningham injured his knee during a game against the Denver Nuggets on 7th January. He left the game in the 2nd quarter after suffering a knee strain. Cunningham played only 11 minutes before getting injured and scored 3 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.

The Pistons went on to lose the game 131-114. Cunningham has not suited up for the Pistons since. Detroit is 1-6 since Cade’s knee injury. They desperately need Cunningham to return to the lineup, as he has been their best player throughout the season.

Despite the Pistons’ abysmal season, Cade is averaging 22.8 points, 7.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds this year. The Charlotte Hornets are heavy favorites to win tonight’s game as the Pistons play without their best player.

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The Charlotte Hornets can pick things up with an easy win tonight

With Cade Cunningham out of action, LaMelo Ball and Co. have a great chance to regain momentum. The Hornets pulled off a huge upset in the last game as they defeated the 2nd-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. They ruined Karl-Anthony Towns’ career-high 62-point night and came out with an improbable win.

It was a great team effort by the Hornets, as every player who stepped on the floor scored at least one bucket. Miles Bridges led the Hornets in scoring with 28 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. Four other Hornets players scored 10+ points.

LaMelo Ball also had a decent game following his one-game absence due to ankle soreness. Ball scored 18 points in the win and dished out 13 assists. The Charlotte Hornets are currently 13th in the Eastern Conference standings with a 10-31 record. After their impressive performance against the Timberwolves, tonight’s game against the Pistons should be light work for LaMelo Ball and Co. LaMelo can use this game to get back in rhythm and regain his All-Star form.

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