The Detroit Pistons Tuesday night matchup against the Washington Wizards offered the team a much-needed win as they continue to get things back on track after a recent stretch of struggles.
Unfortunately, the good news came mixed with a bit of bad news mixed in between after MVP candidate and star guard Cade Cunningham exited the game after just five minutes of play due to back spasms.
There's no doubt that Pistons' reason for pulling Cunningham was likely precautionary in hopes of avoiding any long-term impacts, especially against a struggling team like the Wizards.
However, while back spasms may not be viewed as a major issue to some, the lingering concerns could force Detroit to sideline Cunningham for a couple games to give him the chance to potentially eliminate any concerns of another flare up in the postseason.
The problem? A potential absence from Cunningham will all but certainly open a window for the Boston Celtics to claim the No. 1 seed in the East, a scenario in which Detroit can't afford.
Pistons need the top seed
There's been plenty of conversations about how earning the top seed doesn't offer the advantages it used to with the bottom seeded teams much more competitive than they used to be.
And while that's true, being crowned the top seed still offers one advantage that many would consider major: home-court advantage.
In what the Pistons hope to be a deep postseason run, having the advantage of homecourt would play a major role in a potential series against teams like the Celics, New York Knicks or even the Cleveland Cavaliers.
All that to say, if Cunningham is forced to be sideline for a few games, Detroit's four-game lead over the Celtics and five-game lead on the Knicks in the East standings could open a window that could cost the Pistons the top seed they've worked all year to earn.
There's no reason to be concerned...yet
As of now, there's no news surrounding a potential long-term absence for Cunningham on the way.
Detroit will likely prioritize the health of their star player, and while they certainly should do that, there's a small chance he doesn't miss any time at all.
Until he does, and the Pistons' begin to drop games, then cause for concern will arise.
For the moment though, the fear is about the chance this nightmare scenario comes into fruition, not that it's already coming to life.