How does a collapsed lung happen? What we know about Cade Cunningham’s injury
Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham will miss time due to a collapsed lung, which sounds scary. Here’s what to know about the injury.
The news that Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung has raised plenty of questions, not just about his status, but about the injury itself.
Just in: Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung and is expected to miss an extended period of time, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/JIHABIIOY5
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 19, 2026
The Detroit Pistons star is expected to miss time, though early reports describe the condition as “mild,” with optimism he could return before the playoffs.
But what exactly is a collapsed lung, and how does it happen?
What is a collapsed lung?
A collapsed lung, medically known as a pneumothorax, occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall. That air puts pressure on the lung, preventing it from fully expanding, which can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and tightness or discomfort.
The severity can vary widely. In mild cases, it can resolve with rest and monitoring. More serious cases may require medical procedures to remove the air and allow the lung to re-expand.
How does it happen in athletes?
Collapsed lungs can occur in a few different ways, especially in sports.
- Traumatic impact (collision, fall, or blow to the chest)
- Sudden strain or awkward movement
- Underlying conditions or spontaneous occurrence
In Cunningham’s case, there is no confirmed cause yet. He left a recent game after what was initially described as back spasms and had earlier dived for a loose ball, but it’s unclear whether that play is connected to the diagnosis.
Cade Cunningham won’t return tonight due to back spasms. This is the play that took him out pic.twitter.com/Mj5ZHcWL7G
— Pistons Talk (@Pistons__Talk) March 17, 2026
One reason this injury can be confusing is that symptoms don’t always appear immediately or can be mistaken for something else. Back tightness or discomfort, like what Cunningham initially experienced, can sometimes overlap with early signs of a lung issue. That’s why further evaluation is often needed before a diagnosis is confirmed.
Recovery timeline: how long could Cunningham be out?
Recovery depends on severity.
- Mild cases: days to a few weeks
- Moderate cases: several weeks with monitoring
- Severe cases: longer recovery, sometimes requiring procedures
Early reports suggest Cunningham’s case is on the milder end, which is why there’s hope he could return before the postseason begins.
Cunningham has been one of the most important players in the NBA this season, averaging nearly 25 points and 10 assists per game while leading Detroit to the top of the Eastern Conference. Losing him even temporarily is a huge blow to Detroit.
But if the diagnosis remains mild, the bigger focus will be on making sure he’s fully healthy for the playoffs rather than rushing him back too soon.
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