Cade Cunningham Injury Update, Latest Return Timeline for Pistons Ahead of NBA Playoffs

Detroit Pistons star point guard Cade Cunningham is making enough progress in his recovery from a collapsed lung that there is "optimism" that he will be able to return before the season is over, ESPN's Shams Charania reported on NBA Today.

Charania noted Cunningham could potentially return before the playoffs, as the star participated in an on-court workout on Monday.

This news comes after the Pistons updated Cunningham's progress last week:

Charania noted Cunningham will be evaluated every day.

Cunningham hasn't played since March 17 due to the injury, which he appeared to suffer while diving for a loose ball during the Pistons' 130-117 win over the Washington Wizards.

Detroit is hoping that he can return before the start of the playoffs, which begin on April 18.

The Pistons (57-21) have already clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference standings.

Detroit initially announced that Cunningham would be re-evaluated in two weeks on March 19.

The 24-year-old's presence on the floor is crucial for the Pistons to potentially go on a deep postseason run, as he earned his second consecutive All-Star nod this year.

Cunningham is averaging 24.5 points, 9.9 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 34.6 percent from behind the arc.

He owns the third-highest net rating among all Pistons players to appear in over 40 games this season (via NBA.com).

Detroit has four games remaining on its regular-season schedule, which comes to a close on Sunday. Now the team will see if Cunningham is able to return to the court by then.