Cade Cunningham, Pistons Aim to Keep Rolling Against Bulls

Cade Cunningham showed why he’s an All-Star, dropping 40 points to lead the Detroit Pistons to a 117-102 win over the Mavericks. On Sunday afternoon, Detroit looks to keep the momentum going at home against the Chicago Bulls.

Cunningham Making a Statement

Fresh off being named an NBA All-Star reserve, Cunningham put on a show Friday night. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised his ability to rise to the occasion.

“To be voted as an All-Star last night and then to come out and have this performance, the point is proven,” Bickerstaff said.

Detroit (10-6 in January) is showing real progress, bouncing back from a three-game skid. Cunningham said the team set a goal to dominate January, and they did.

Jalen Duren: Detroit’s X-Factor

While Cunningham fuels the offense, Jalen Duren has been a force inside, recording seven double-doubles in the last eight games.

Duren had 16 points and 13 rebounds in the Mavericks win, giving the Pistons a needed inside presence against the Bulls’ bigs.

Bulls’ Small Ball Experiment

The Bulls (22-26) are testing a four-guard lineup, which worked well in Friday’s 122-106 win over Toronto.

Chicago shot 50.6% from the field and totaled 34 assists, playing an unselfish, up-tempo game.

Key Players for Chicago:

🔹 Nikola Vucevic: Had 21 points, 12 rebounds vs. Toronto. With Zach LaVine (personal) out, he stepped up as the primary scoring option.

🔹 Matas Buzelis: The lottery pick had 12 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks—his second straight strong performance.

🔹 Zach LaVine & Trade Rumors: LaVine missed the game for the birth of his child, but with the trade deadline looming (Feb. 8), he and Vucevic could be on the move.

Bulls Have Owned Detroit in Recent Years

The Bulls have won 18 of the last 20 matchups with the Pistons, including a 122-112 win in Detroit on Nov. 18.

Vucevic dominated that game, racking up 29 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks.

Game Preview: Can Detroit Snap the Trend?

The Pistons have the momentum, but the Bulls historically own this matchup.

Key Questions:

✅ Can Cade Cunningham stay hot and lead Detroit to another win?
✅ Will Jalen Duren control the paint against Vucevic?
✅ Can Chicago’s small-ball lineup continue to work?

With trade deadline uncertainty, All-Star hype, and playoff hopes fading, this game could be crucial for both teams’ mindsets.