Cavs at Pistons Game 1: How to watch, odds, and injury report
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DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 27: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks to pass the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on February 27, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The team that’s won Game 1 has won every series that the Donovan Mitchell-led Cleveland Cavaliers teams have played. How much stock you put into that is up to you. What we can say is that Game 1 against the Detroit Pistons is important.

Neither the Cavs nor the Pistons have had much time to prepare for the second round. Both teams went seven games in a series that many thought would be over far before it was. As a result, both have just one day to transition from the highs of winning a Game 7 to the onset of a new series.

The lack of preparation usually means that the team, or more specifically the team with the star players, that executes better will come away with the win on Tuesday.

For what it’s worth, the Cavs and Pistons split their four regular-season contests this year.

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Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (52-30) at Detroit Pistons (60-22)

Where: Little Caesars Arena – Detroit, MI

When: Tue., May 5 at 7 PM

TV: Peacock, NBC Sports Network

Point spread: Pistons -3.5

Cavs injury report: None

Pistons injury report: Kevin Huerter – QUESTIONABLE (abductor strain)

Cavs expectedstarting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen

Pistons expected starting lineup: Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

Previous matchup: The Cavs defeated the Pistons 113-109 in March thanks to a big game from Jaylon Tyson

Here’s a look at both teams’ regular-season impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.

Offensive RatingDefensive RatingNet Rating
Cavs118.9 (8th)115 (15th)+3.9 (9th)
Raptors118.3 (10th)109.5 (2nd)+8.8 (3rd)


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