The Detroit Pistons find themselves in unfamiliar territory as they look to end a three-game losing streak when they take on the surging Miami Heat. The last time Detroit suffered a dramatic loss against the Brooklyn Nets in the absence of Cade Cunningham, Michael Porter Jr. and Ziaire Williams led the way with 53 points apiece in the second half.
However, they have been given a big boost as Cade Cunningham has been listed as probable on the official injury report. Detroit is still missing Caris LeVert and Aussie Thompson due to injuries, while Wendell Moore Jr. and Isaac Jones are out on G League assignment. Of course, the Heat have also struggled with injuries.
Simon Fontecchio (groin strain), Nikola Jovic (low back injury management), Norman Powell (groin strain) and Andrew Wiggins (toe inflammation) are all out, while Keshaad Johnson and Jahmir Young are unavailable on G League assignment and Terry Rozier is away from the team. However, the Heat have made a resurgence in recent games and are currently on a four-game winning streak.
*Watch NBA Games Live with fuboTV (Free Trial)*
Cade Cunningham injury status vs. Heat
Cade Cunningham is officially listed as probable due to a left quad injury, suggesting he is likely to play. Detroit held him out as a precaution during the loss to Brooklyn, but the Pistons fought back in the second half and will be looking to welcome back their best player.
When Cunningham is on the floor the Pistons' offensive rating is 118.8 while when he sits it is only 107.7. Detroit's net rating also increased from 2.8 without him to 10.3 with him, underscoring his MVP-level impact.
Cunningham has averaged 25.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 9.8 assists per game and has been the offensive engine for a team that currently has a 45–17 record, best in the East and third best in the entire NBA.
Detroit's loss to Brooklyn proved his importance. The Pistons struggled to generate shots late as Tobias Harris led the team with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Jalen Duren added 17 points and 14 boards.
Detroit and Miami have split their two meetings this season, with each team winning. That makes Sunday's game the deciding matchup in the season series.
piston injury report
Cade Cunningham – Probable (left quadriceps contusion)
Ausser Thompson - Out (right ankle sprain)
Caris LeVert - Out (left wrist sprain)
Isaac Jones - Out (G League Two-Way)
Wendell Moore Jr. - Out (G League Two-Way)
heat injury report
Simon Fontecchio - Out (left groin strain)
Nikola Jovic – Out (lower back injury management)
Norman Powell - Out (right groin strain)
Andrew Wiggins – out (swelling of left big toe)
Terry Rozier - Out (not with team)
Keshad Johnson - Out (G League Assignment)
Jahmir Young - out (G League two-way)
Davion Mitchell - Available (left shoulder injury)
