After an 11-game absence due to a collapsed lung, Detroit Pistons All-Star Cade Cunningham is reportedly set to return to action Wednesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. The news, first reported by ESPN's Vinny Goodwill, marks a significant boost for the Pistons as they prepare for the postseason.

Detroit's initial hope was to reintegrate their franchise cornerstone in a few low-stakes regular season games, avoiding a high-pressure playoff debut. This timing works perfectly, as Wednesday's matchup has no bearing on the Pistons' standing—they've already clinched the Eastern Conference's top seed. The Bucks, meanwhile, will be severely shorthanded, missing stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Cunningham's return caps a remarkable season where he averaged 24.5 points, 9.9 assists, and 5.6 rebounds, establishing himself as an MVP-caliber talent. Unfortunately, the injury, sustained in a hard-nosed collision on March 17, means he will fall short of the NBA's 65-game threshold for postseason awards, a tough break for a player having a First Team All-NBA year.

His comeback is a testament to the team's resilience. In his absence, the Pistons posted an impressive 8-3 record, fueled by Daniss Jenkins's playmaking and Jalen Duren's All-NBA level performances. With the top seed locked up, Detroit can now focus on getting Cunningham's rhythm back before enjoying a week of rest after the regular season concludes.