Cade Cunningham OUT for Thursday’s game vs. Timberwolves with hip injury

February 3 update: Cunningham has been ruled out with a hip injury, so the Pistons will likely go with Cory Joseph and Killian Hayes in the backcourt. Jerami Grant will continue to be the featured player offensively for Detroit. Cunningham’s hip injury might not be serious, but is going to cost the No. 1 overall pick at least one game. We’ll see if Cunningham can return to the court Friday against the Celtics.

February 2 update: Cunningham has officially been listed as questionable for Thursday’s game against the Timberwolves. He’s dealing with a hip injury and did return to the bench late Tuesday but did not enter the game. If Cunningham cannot play, look for Cory Joseph and Killian Hayes to be lead ball handlers in Thursday’s game for Detroit.

Update: Cunningham has returned to the bench but he’s unlikely to play in what is now a blowout loss late in the fourth quarter.

Detroit Pistons rookie point guard Cade Cunningham went to the locker room Tuesday in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans. The No. 1 overall pick did attempt to bike out his injury but had to go back to the locker room in the end. He is now doubtful to return with a hip injury.

Cunningham left the game with six points, five rebounds and an assist. The guard has been struggling to shoot the ball this season, which was supposed to be his strong suit. The Pistons do need to figure out the pieces around him going forward, although Cunningham’s efficiency also has to improve.

If the rookie is sidelined for a while, look for Killian Hayes to take over as the lead point guard. Cory Joseph will continue to get minutes as well. With Cunningham out, the Pistons will likely run their offense through Saddiq Bey and Jerami Grant.