The top-seeded Detroit Pistons have a decision to make before hosting the Houston Rockets on Friday night: push their All-Star engine back onto the floor, or play the long game. Cade Cunningham is listed as questionable with a left hip contusion and illness after missing Wednesday’s win. Detroit, 32-10 and first in the East, has built a cushion, but the sight of Houston’s injury list offers a chance to bank another win without risking their franchise guard.

Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET at Little Caesars Arena, where the Pistons will also monitor the status of sharpshooter Duncan Robinson, who is probable with a lower-back sprain. The Rockets, already thin, will be without several key rotation pieces, which could tilt the night toward Detroit regardless of who starts at point guard.

Cade Cunningham’s status and why it matters

Cunningham’s impact is obvious. He’s averaging 25.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 9.8 assists while shooting 45.2% from the field and 32.7% from three. On Monday, he was named a starter for the All-Star Game, a nod to the leap he’s taken as a scorer and table-setter. Just last week, he controlled a 104-103 win over the Celtics with 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 14 assists.

He missed Wednesday’s 112-104 victory over the Pelicans with the same hip issue. Detroit handled it, in part because the team’s identity this season has been balance: they rebound, defend, and share. But make no mistake, the offense flows best with Cade’s pace and poise.

“Let Cade rest now; the 1-seed matters in April, not January.”

Duncan Robinson’s green light would change Detroit’s spacing

Robinson is listed as probable with a lower-back sprain. If he plays, Detroit gets the gravity that keeps help defenders hugged to the corners. That can simplify reads for whoever runs the point, and it stretches Houston’s defense across the full width of the floor.

Even at partial minutes, Robinson’s movement and quick release demand attention. If the hip keeps Cunningham out, Robinson’s shooting could be the most important single skill on the court.

“If Duncan’s moving well, the paint opens up for everyone.”

Next-man-up: Daniss Jenkins, Ronald Holland II and the wing picture

Daniss Jenkins stepped into the starting role on Wednesday and gave Detroit 17 points on 5-for-12 shooting in 27 minutes. He kept the offense organized and hit timely shots. If Cunningham sits again, Jenkins has earned another long look.

Rookie Ronald Holland II is probable (illness). His energy on the wing helps push the tempo and tag rebounders. Caris LeVert is listed as out/doubtful due to illness, which thins out the Pistons’ on-ball creation in the second unit. Depth wings Isaac Jones (G League assignment) and Wendell Moore Jr. (two-way, G League) remain out.

“Jenkins looked ready—let him cook again if Cade isn’t 100%.”

Rockets injury report: shorthanded and searching

Houston arrives banged up. Steven Adams (left ankle sprain), Tari Eason (right ankle injury management), Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle injury management), and Fred VanVleet (right knee ACL repair) are out. Two-way guard Tristen Newton is also out, while Aaron Holiday is questionable with back spasms.

What does that mean? Without Adams, the Rockets lose a rugged screener and rebounder, making the glass a point of concern. Eason and Finney-Smith are two of their best switchable defenders; their absence removes size and length on the wings. Without VanVleet, they miss a steady hand at the point and a dependable shooter.

Houston still has pride and pace, but Detroit should control the paint and dictate matchups, especially if Robinson’s shooting stretches the floor.

Numbers that frame the night

• Cunningham’s 9.8 assists per game underscore how often Detroit gets clean looks because of his reads.
• Detroit’s 32-10 record is no accident; the Pistons close games, as shown in the one-point win over Boston on Jan. 19.
• Wednesday’s 112-104 victory without Cade shows the floor is still high when the defense rebounds and the bench chips in.

What to watch: chess moves and tipping points

If Cade plays, expect early ball screens to test Houston’s weakened perimeter defense. Detroit will look to get downhill and force help, then spray to shooters. If Cade sits, the Pistons need a repeat of Wednesday’s ball movement and balanced scoring, with Jenkins steadying the ship and Robinson’s off-ball gravity creating lanes.

On the other end, watch the glass. With Adams out, second chances could pile up for Detroit. The Pistons also need to protect the paint and avoid fouls; the Rockets can still put pressure on the rim even short-handed.

Tempo matters. Detroit won’t want to turn this into a track meet if the rotation is light on ball-handlers. Expect controlled pace, set defense, and a bet on execution.

The bottom line

The headline is clear: Cunningham is questionable, Robinson is probable, and Detroit is in position to keep rolling at home. The Rockets’ injuries remove some of their best defenders and their veteran point guard. That tilts the board.

Still, Detroit’s staff has earned trust by playing the long game. If Cade needs another night, the Pistons have the depth and identity to handle a short-handed Houston squad. Keep an eye on the final injury report before tip. Either way, this is a chance for the East’s top team to show its maturity: value possessions, own the glass, and close strong.