Pistons rule out top pick Cade Cunningham for opener against Bulls

Detroit Pistons' Cade Cunningham celebrates a 3-point shot against the Houston Rockets during the first half of an NBA summer league basketball game Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/AP)

DETROIT — Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham has been ruled out of the team's season-opening game against the Chicago Bulls due to a sprained right ankle.

Detroit will host the Bulls on Wednesday night without Cunningham, the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft. Cunningham hurt his ankle early in training camp and did not play in the preseason.

Detroit is counting on the 6-foot-8 guard to help restore success.

The Pistons have earned a spot in the playoffs just twice since 2009, when they ended an eight-year playoff run that included their third NBA championship, two Eastern Conference titles and six trips to the conference finals.

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