Timberwolves vs Pistons Preview: Edwards vs Cunningham Showdown

Thursday night's matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons carries serious playoff weight. Detroit owns the best record in the Eastern Conference at 55-21, while Minnesota sits sixth in the tough Western Conference at 46-29. However, both teams arrive with major injury concerns that could completely change how this game unfolds on the court.

Both teams face life without their biggest stars. Detroit's Cade Cunningham, who averages about 26 points and about 9 assists per game, was diagnosed with a mild collapsed lung and is expected to miss the rest of the regular season. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards is questionable with right knee pain, after recently missing six straight games before returning Monday against Dallas.

With Cunningham out, Jalen Duren becomes Detroit's anchor. The 21-year-old center is averaging about 19 points and about 11 rebounds while shooting an elite 63 percent from the field. He has posted four straight double-doubles, proving he can carry a heavy load. For Minnesota, Julius Randle averages about 23 points and about 7 rebounds, providing physical play when Edwards needs support.

Without Cunningham controlling the offense, Detroit leans on Ausar Thompson's elite perimeter defense and athleticism to disrupt Minnesota's guards. Daniss Jenkins steps into the starting lineup, while Marcus Sasser is questionable after re-aggravating his hip injury. If Detroit's defensive identity stays sharp, they can still compete. Can anyone step up and fill Cunningham's enormous role tonight?