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NBA · Final

Pistons Secure Victory Over Cavaliers in Playoff Showdown

Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers52-30
101
Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons60-22
111

Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Little Caesars Arena

Detroit Pistons 111, Cleveland Cavaliers 101, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons?

Detroit Pistons beat Cleveland Cavaliers 111-101 at Little Caesars Arena on May 5, 2026.

Who was favored in Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons?

Detroit Pistons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -162 (about 62% implied). The favorite won.

The Detroit Pistons triumphed over the Cleveland Cavaliers with a final score of 111-101, taking a crucial lead in their playoff series, which is now tied at 2-2. This matchup held significant importance as both teams sought to gain momentum in the postseason, and the Pistons showcased their strength at home in Little Caesars Arena, where they maintained a perfect record in their last four games.

In the lead-up to this game, the Pistons had been in strong form, winning eight of their last ten games, with a current winning streak of three. They averaged 119.9 points scored per game while allowing 108.1 points, indicating a solid offensive and defensive performance. Their recent victories included a notable win against the Indiana Pacers, where they scored 133 points, and a commanding 137-111 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. At home, the Pistons had an impressive record of 4-0 in their last four games, demonstrating their dominance on their own court.

Conversely, the Cavaliers had also been performing well, with a record of 7-3 in their last ten games and a current winning streak of one. They averaged 121.8 points scored and allowed 119.0 points during this stretch. Their recent win against the Washington Wizards, where they scored 130 points, highlighted their offensive capabilities. However, they faced challenges on the road, holding a 3-2 record in away games recently.

Historically, the matchup between these two teams has been competitive, with the Pistons holding a 3-5 record against the Cavaliers in their last eight meetings. Earlier this season, the teams had split their encounters, with the Pistons winning 122-119 at home and losing 109-113 in Cleveland. This playoff series has intensified the rivalry, making each game critical for both teams.

In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but the performance of key players like Tobias Harris and Donovan Mitchell was crucial in this game. Harris contributed significantly to the Pistons' scoring, making pivotal shots in the fourth quarter, including a driving floating jump shot that helped maintain the Pistons' lead. Mitchell also made his mark with a long-range shot, but it wasn't enough to close the gap.

The betting market reflected a competitive expectation for this game, with DraftKings listing the Pistons as 3.5-point favorites. The total points were set at 217.5, indicating an expectation of a moderately high-scoring game. The moneyline odds were -162 for the Pistons and +136 for the Cavaliers, suggesting that the Pistons were favored to win.

Conditions in the arena were favorable for a playoff atmosphere, with fans supporting the Pistons as they aimed to capitalize on their home advantage. The Pistons' ability to execute in the fourth quarter proved decisive, as they pulled away from the Cavaliers with key free throws and a running dunk from Daniss Jenkins that sealed the victory.

With this win, the Pistons not only took a step closer to advancing in the playoffs but also reinforced their home dominance. The series remains tightly contested, and both teams will look to adjust as they prepare for the next game.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsDET -3.5 217.5 o -108 / u -112 Cleveland Cavaliers +136 · Detroit Pistons -162

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

  • PointsCade Cunningham23Detroit Pistons
  • AssistsCade Cunningham7Detroit Pistons
  • ReboundsJalen Duren12Detroit Pistons
  • PointsDonovan Mitchell23Cleveland Cavaliers
  • AssistsJames Harden7Cleveland Cavaliers
  • ReboundsEvan Mobley9Cleveland Cavaliers

Recent form

Detroit Pistons

Last 10: 8-2Streak W3119.9 scored · 108.1 allowed per game4-0 at home

  • W133-121at Indiana PacersApr 12
  • W118-100at Charlotte HornetsApr 10
  • W137-111vs Milwaukee BucksApr 8
  • L107-123at Orlando MagicApr 6
  • W116-93at Philadelphia 76ersApr 4
  • W113-108vs Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 2
  • W127-116vs Toronto RaptorsApr 1
  • L110-114at Oklahoma City ThunderMar 31
  • W109-87at Minnesota TimberwolvesMar 28
  • W129-108vs New Orleans PelicansMar 26

Cleveland Cavaliers

Last 10: 7-3Streak W1121.8 scored · 119 allowed per game3-2 away

  • W130-117vs Washington WizardsApr 12
  • L102-124at Atlanta HawksApr 10
  • W122-116vs Atlanta HawksApr 8
  • W142-126at Memphis GrizzliesApr 7
  • W117-108vs Indiana PacersApr 5
  • W118-111at Golden State WarriorsApr 3
  • L113-127at Los Angeles LakersApr 1
  • W122-113at Utah JazzMar 31
  • W149-128vs Miami HeatMar 27
  • L103-120vs Miami HeatMar 25

Standings

TeamGames behindLostStreakWin %Won
Detroit-22W3.73260
Cleveland830W1.63452
Milwaukee2850L1.39032
Chicago2951L2.37831
Indiana4163L2.23219

Box score

StatCleveland CavaliersDetroit Pistons
Field goals36-8037-84
Field goal %4544
Three-pointers14-3810-26
Three-point %3738
Free throws15-1627-35
Free throw %9477
Rebounds4145
Offensive rebounds1116
Defensive rebounds3029
Assists2323
Steals712
Blocks53
Turnovers1911
Team turnovers11
Technical fouls21
Technical fouls, total21
Flagrant fouls00
Points off turnovers3116
Fast-break points615
Points in the paint4444
Fouls2218
Largest lead518
Lead changes11
Time in front691

How the scoring went

  1. 3rd Quarter69-75Max Strus makes driving layup (Dennis Schroder assists)
  2. 3rd Quarter71-75Dennis Schroder makes two point shot
  3. 3rd Quarter71-77Cade Cunningham makes driving layup
  4. 3rd Quarter74-77Max Strus makes 23-foot three point jumper (Dennis Schroder assists)
  5. 3rd Quarter74-78Cade Cunningham makes free throw 1 of 3
  6. 3rd Quarter74-79Cade Cunningham makes free throw 2 of 3
  7. 3rd Quarter74-80Cade Cunningham makes free throw 3 of 3
  8. 3rd Quarter76-80Max Strus makes 1-foot running dunk (Jaylon Tyson assists)
  9. 3rd Quarter76-83Ronald Holland II makes 29-foot three pointer
  10. 4th Quarter78-83Max Strus makes 3-foot layup (Evan Mobley assists)
  11. 4th Quarter79-83Max Strus makes free throw 1 of 1
  12. 4th Quarter79-85Duncan Robinson makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot (Jalen Duren assists)
  13. 4th Quarter82-85Dennis Schroder makes 26-foot three point jumper (Donovan Mitchell assists)
  14. 4th Quarter82-87Tobias Harris makes 6-foot two point shot
  15. 4th Quarter82-88Ronald Holland II makes free throw 1 of 2
  16. 4th Quarter82-91Duncan Robinson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Jalen Duren assists)
  17. 4th Quarter82-93Duncan Robinson makes 4-foot driving floating jump shot (Cade Cunningham assists)
  18. 4th Quarter84-93Donovan Mitchell makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot
  19. 4th Quarter85-93James Harden makes free throw 1 of 2
  20. 4th Quarter86-93James Harden makes free throw 2 of 2
  21. 4th Quarter88-93James Harden makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot
  22. 4th Quarter90-93James Harden makes 11-foot driving floating jump shot
  23. 4th Quarter91-93James Harden makes free throw 1 of 3
  24. 4th Quarter92-93James Harden makes free throw 2 of 3
  25. 4th Quarter93-93James Harden makes free throw 3 of 3
  26. 4th Quarter93-95Jalen Duren makes dunk (Cade Cunningham assists)
  27. 4th Quarter93-97Jalen Duren makes 1-foot driving dunk (Cade Cunningham assists)
  28. 4th Quarter93-99Jalen Duren makes running dunk (Cade Cunningham assists)
  29. 4th Quarter95-99James Harden makes 3-foot driving floating jump shot
  30. 4th Quarter95-101Daniss Jenkins makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
  31. 4th Quarter96-101Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
  32. 4th Quarter96-103Cade Cunningham makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
  33. 4th Quarter96-105Tobias Harris makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
  34. 4th Quarter98-105James Harden makes 8-foot two point shot
  35. 4th Quarter98-106Tobias Harris makes free throw 1 of 2
  36. 4th Quarter98-107Tobias Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
  37. 4th Quarter101-107Donovan Mitchell makes 30-foot fade away jump shot (Dean Wade assists)
  38. 4th Quarter101-108Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 1 of 2
  39. 4th Quarter101-109Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 2 of 2
  40. 4th Quarter101-111Daniss Jenkins makes running dunk

Win probability

Above the line favours Detroit Pistons, below favours Cleveland Cavaliers.

Venue

  • Little Caesars ArenaDetroit, MI
  • Attendance20062
  • OfficialsJames Capers, Sean Corbin, Ben Taylor, J.B. DeRosa

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.