Cade Cunningham was upgraded to doubtful to play in Monday night's 123-107 Orlando Magic before being ruled out, signaling the Detroit Pistons' All-Star point guard could be nearing a return with the playoffs fast approaching.
Cunningham has been out since March 19 while recovering from a collapsed left lung but has entered a return to play protocol.
Isaiah Stewart, who has been out since March 15 with a left calf strain, was also elevated to doubtful before being ruled out Monday.
"Both of them are progressing. They are doing more and more each day," coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "With both of these things, it is always about how you respond the next day. I don't want to jump out there and say anything, but so far, so good. They are taking steps in the right direction."
After Monday's loss, the Pistons have three games remaining in the regular season. There is optimism both Cunningham and Stewart will be back in the lineup before the playoffs begins, according to Bickerstaff.
The Pistons have thrived despite Cunningham's absence, clinching the No. 1 overall seed in the Eastern Conference with a win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday.
Before the injury, Cunningham was in MVP talks after averaging 24.5 points and 9.9 assists for the most dominant team in the East.
