Pistons Edge Cavaliers in Overtime Thriller
Friday, February 27, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Little Caesars Arena
Detroit Pistons 122, Cleveland Cavaliers 119, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.
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Quick answers
Who won Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons?
Detroit Pistons beat Cleveland Cavaliers 122-119 at Little Caesars Arena on February 27, 2026.
Who was favored in Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons?
Detroit Pistons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -340 (about 77% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling overtime contest, the Detroit Pistons narrowly defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 122-119 at Little Caesars Arena on February 28, 2026. This victory gives the Pistons a 3-1 lead in the season series against the Cavaliers, showcasing their competitive edge in this matchup.
The Pistons entered the game with a strong home record of 44-14 and had been performing well lately, boasting an 8-2 record in their last ten games. They had an average of 119.1 points scored and 105.4 points allowed during this stretch, indicating a potent offense coupled with a solid defense. In their previous five games, they had a record of 4-1, averaging 118.4 points while allowing 109.2 points. Their most recent game before facing the Cavaliers was a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where they scored 124 points.
On the other hand, the Cavaliers came into this game with a respectable away record of 37-24. They also had an 8-2 record in their last ten games, averaging 121.1 points scored and 108.8 points allowed. However, they were coming off a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, which snapped a winning streak. In their last five games, the Cavaliers had a record of 3-2, averaging 113.6 points and allowing 106.0 points.
The matchup was closely contested, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the game. The Pistons' recent form at home, where they had a record of 4-2 in their last six games, contrasted with the Cavaliers' away performance, which included a 5-2 record in their last seven away games. This game was expected to be a battle, and it did not disappoint.
In terms of previous meetings, the Pistons had won two of the last three encounters against the Cavaliers this season. The most recent matchup prior to this game was on January 4, 2026, where the Cavaliers won 114-110. The Pistons had also suffered a loss to the Cavaliers earlier in the season, which added to the competitive tension.
Injury-wise, both teams were relatively healthy, which allowed them to field their best lineups. This aspect contributed to the high level of play seen throughout the game.
Before the game, DraftKings had set the odds with the Pistons favored by 8.5 points, indicating a strong belief in their home advantage. The total points line was set at 227.5, reflecting expectations of a high-scoring affair. The moneyline was -340 for the Pistons and +270 for the Cavaliers, further emphasizing the Pistons' favored status.
The game conditions were favorable, with both teams ready to showcase their skills in front of a home crowd. Fans were treated to a display of high-energy basketball, with key plays and moments that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
As the game progressed into overtime, the intensity heightened. The Pistons managed to pull ahead with crucial free throws from Jalen Duren and a driving layup from Daniss Jenkins. The Cavaliers fought back, with Jaylon Tyson hitting a three-pointer to narrow the gap, but the Pistons maintained their composure in the final moments. Tobias Harris sealed the game with an 8-foot turnaround jump shot, ensuring the Pistons' victory.
This match highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams and set the stage for their future encounters. The Pistons' ability to win in overtime against a strong Cavaliers team reinforces their status as a formidable opponent in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DET -8.5 | 227.5 o -110 / u -110 | Cleveland Cavaliers +270 · Detroit Pistons -340 |
Leaders
- PointsJalen Duren33Detroit Pistons
- AssistsCade Cunningham7Detroit Pistons
- ReboundsJalen Duren16Detroit Pistons
- PointsJarrett Allen25Cleveland Cavaliers
- AssistsCraig Porter Jr.12Cleveland Cavaliers
- ReboundsEvan Mobley12Cleveland Cavaliers
Recent form
Detroit Pistons
Last 10: 8-2Streak W1119.1 scored · 105.4 allowed per game4-2 at home
- W124-116vs Oklahoma City ThunderFeb 26
- L103-114vs San Antonio SpursFeb 24
- W126-110at Chicago BullsFeb 22
- W126-111at New York KnicksFeb 20
- W113-95at Toronto RaptorsFeb 12
- W110-104at Charlotte HornetsFeb 10
- W118-80vs New York KnicksFeb 7
- L117-126vs Washington WizardsFeb 6
- W124-121vs Denver NuggetsFeb 4
- W130-77vs Brooklyn NetsFeb 1
Cleveland Cavaliers
Last 10: 8-2Streak L1121.1 scored · 108.8 allowed per game5-2 away
- L116-118at Milwaukee BucksFeb 26
- W109-94vs New York KnicksFeb 25
- L113-121at Oklahoma City ThunderFeb 22
- W118-113at Charlotte HornetsFeb 21
- W112-84vs Brooklyn NetsFeb 20
- W138-113vs Washington WizardsFeb 12
- W119-117at Denver NuggetsFeb 10
- W132-126at Sacramento KingsFeb 8
- W124-91at LA ClippersFeb 5
- W130-111at Portland Trail BlazersFeb 2
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
Box score
| Stat | Cleveland Cavaliers | Detroit Pistons |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 43-94 | 46-100 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 13-35 | 6-27 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 22 |
| Free throws | 20-27 | 24-33 |
| Free throw % | 74 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 56 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 21 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 35 |
| Assists | 32 | 26 |
| Steals | 10 | 14 |
| Blocks | 9 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 3 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 20 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 56 | 68 |
| Fouls | 24 | 27 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 16 | 16 |
| Time in front | 59 | 31 |
How the scoring went
- 4th Quarter87-89Evan Mobley makes 25-foot three point jumper (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter89-89Tyrese Proctor makes 3-foot layup (Sam Merrill assists)
- 4th Quarter91-89Thomas Bryant makes layup
- 4th Quarter93-89Thomas Bryant makes running layup (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter93-91Cade Cunningham makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter96-91Jaylon Tyson makes 25-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter98-91Jarrett Allen makes layup (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter98-92Cade Cunningham makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-93Cade Cunningham makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter100-93Jarrett Allen makes 6-foot floating jump shot (Dennis Schroder assists)
- 4th Quarter100-95Cade Cunningham makes 1-foot running dunk (Tobias Harris assists)
- 4th Quarter103-95Sam Merrill makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jarrett Allen assists)
- 4th Quarter103-96Jalen Duren makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter105-96Evan Mobley makes 4-foot dunk (Sam Merrill assists)
- 4th Quarter105-98Jalen Duren makes 2-foot dunk
- 4th Quarter107-98Jarrett Allen makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Dennis Schroder assists)
- 4th Quarter107-101Duncan Robinson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Tobias Harris assists)
- 4th Quarter107-103Ausar Thompson makes 4-foot dunk
- 4th Quarter108-103Jarrett Allen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-103Jarrett Allen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-104Ausar Thompson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-105Ausar Thompson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-107Tobias Harris makes 4-foot dunk
- 4th Quarter110-107Sam Merrill makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter110-108Jalen Duren makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter110-109Jalen Duren makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter112-109Dennis Schroder makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter112-111Jalen Duren makes dunk
- 4th Quarter113-111Craig Porter Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-111Evan Mobley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-112Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter114-113Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter114-114Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 3 of 3
- OT114-115Jalen Duren makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT114-116Jalen Duren makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT114-118Daniss Jenkins makes driving layup
- OT114-120Jalen Duren makes 2-foot layup (Daniss Jenkins assists)
- OT117-120Jaylon Tyson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
- OT119-120Dennis Schroder makes driving layup
- OT119-122Tobias Harris makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
Win probability
Above the line favours Detroit Pistons, below favours Cleveland Cavaliers.
Venue
- Little Caesars ArenaDetroit, MI
- Attendance20232
- OfficialsCourtney Kirkland, Aaron Smith, Tyler Ricks
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- Pistons Dominate Cavaliers in Game 5 VictoryMay 15, 2026
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- Cavaliers Edge Pistons in Crucial Playoff ClashMay 11, 2026
- Cavaliers Edge Pistons in Close Playoff BattleMay 9, 2026