Cade Cunningham Diagnosed with Collapsed Lung, Latest on Pistons PG's Timeline to Return

Detroit Pistons star point guard Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung and will be re-evaluated in two weeks, per the team.

The news came after ESPN's Shams Charania reported Cunningham was "expected to miss an extended period of time" with the injury, noting that the collapse was "considered mild," according to ESPN.com.

"The Pistons, who entered Thursday with the best record in the Eastern Conference, are still gathering information on Cunningham's condition and are unsure how long he will be sidelined, sources told Charania," per ESPN.com. "There is some optimism that Cunningham will be back in time for the start of the playoffs, which begin on April 18, according to sources."

Cunningham previously was ruled out for the remainder of the team's matchup with the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night due to back spasms.

Cunningham played just five minutes against Washington before heading into Detroit's locker room during the first quarter of the game.

He finished with six points, two rebounds and one steal while shooting 2-of-3 from the field.

Cunningham has been relatively durable throughout his fifth NBA season, appearing in 60 of the Pistons' first 67 games heading into Tuesday's action.

He previously missed one contest on March 7 due to a left quad contusion.

The Pistons are looking to remain atop the Eastern Conference standings with the playoffs drawing closer.

Detroit currently holds a 3.5-game lead for the No. 1 spot in the conference with a 49-19 record.

Cunningham has served as the Pistons' offensive engine throughout the season, earning his second consecutive All-Star nod.

Prior to Tuesday's early exit, he averaged 24.9 points, 10.1 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 34.7 percent from behind the arc.

With Cunningham out, Caris LeVert and Daniss Jenkins are candidates to receive more playing time.