The Detroit Pistons (37-12) still hold the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings and look to extend their three-game winning streak in tonight’s clash with the Washington Wizards (13-36).
Since January, Pistons G Cade Cunningham has been a regular on the NBA injury report. Could Detroit rest its centerpiece against the struggling Wizards, who are 3-7 over the last 10 games?
PrizePicks’ player projections could shift if the Pistons’ leading scorer and assist man is out. Let’s dive into the latest Cade Cunningham injury update, including whether he will play vs. the Wizards.
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Cade Cunningham Injury Update vs. Wizards Tonight
The injury report officially lists Cunningham as questionable due to wrist injury management. The 2026 All-Star sustained the injury in early January, missing two games on January 7 and 10.
Cunningham would also go on to miss January 21’s contest due to illness. After Detroit went 2-1 when he was out in January, perhaps the Pistons can be more prone to resting their star — especially given the Wizards rank last in NBA Advanced Stats’ NET rating.
With that said, replacing the Oklahoma State product’s gaudy stats of 25.3 points per game (PPG) and 9.8 assists per game (APG) is still easier said than done. FantasyLabs has Cunningham first on the team in usage rate (30.9%).
He’s also second on the squad with 5.8 3-point attempts per game, and the former No. 1 pick’s 18.0 potential assists per game leads the league. If active, PrizePicks projects Cunningham for 24.5 points and 39.5 combined points, rebounds, and assists.
Detroit is far from a one-trick pony, ranked third in NET rating and 10th in offensive rating. Which Piston could step up in Cunningham’s potential absence?
Pistons’ Fantasy Impact If Cunningham is Out vs. Wizards
Washington ranks 29th in defensive rating, surrendering 122.7 PPG (29th) and a 55.0% effective field goal percentage (24th). According to Dunks & Threes, the Wizards are 23rd in shot distribution around the rim allowed and give up 53.2 points in the paint per game (25th).
Pistons C Jalen Duren — who earned his first All-Star honors this season — could be the answer, taking 93.1% of his shots within 10 feet of the rim. His usage rate also rises by 2.6% when Cunningham is off the court.
The injury report lists Pistons F Tobias Harris (hip) as questionable, and his 13.5 PPG ranks third on the team. When Harris and Cunningham are off the court, Duren holds Detroit’s largest increase in usage rate (+5.4%).
Duren has posted 21.0 PPG over his last four games, surpassing his 18.0 PPG season-long average.
Jalen Duren vs. Wizards Projections on PrizePicks
PrizePicks’ Thursday projections of 18.5 points and 11 rebounds are on par with Duren’s season averages of 18.0 PPG and 10.7 rebounds per game (RPG).
- 18.5 Points
- 11 Rebounds
- 32.5 Pts + Rebs + Asts
- 39.5 Fantasy Score
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Make Wizards vs. Pistons Picks on PrizePicks
Among the Pistons’ top three scorers, Duren is the only one who is not questionable on Thursday. The first-time All-Star could be an easy pivot for point projections thanks to a huge jump in involvement when Cunningham and Harris are off the court.
You can make your Wizards vs. Pistons picks on PrizePicks and earn real money. Just pick players, predict More or Less on their projected stats, and cash in if you’re correct. Alternatively, pick winners and over/unders on PrizePicks Team Picks — now available in 34 states!
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