Pistons guard Cade Cunningham leaves game with back spasms

By Canadian Press on March 17, 2026.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, a two-time All-Star who is among the leaders in the NBA MVP race, left Tuesday night’s game against the Washington Wizards with back spasms.

The Detroit News reported that Cunningham was injured early in the first quarter while diving for a loose ball. He played for a few more minutes before being taken out at the 6:40 mark.

The team said during the second quarter he would not return.

Cunningham is averaging 25 points, 10 assists and 5.6 rebounds this season. He had six points and two rebounds in 5 minutes, 20 seconds on Tuesday night before leaving the game.

Cunningham has played in 61 games this season. A player must appear in 65 games to qualify for major postseason awards like MVP and All-NBA teams.

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The Associated Press