Pistons Edge Cavaliers in Playoff Showdown
Thursday, May 7, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Little Caesars Arena
Detroit Pistons 107, Cleveland Cavaliers 97, 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 107-97 at Little Caesars Arena on May 7, 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 secured a crucial victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning 107-97 in a tightly contested playoff matchup at Little Caesars Arena. This game was particularly significant as it marked the pivotal fifth game in a series that was tied 2-2, with both teams vying for an advantage in the postseason.
Detroit entered the contest with a strong home record of 60-22, showcasing their dominance at home throughout the season. They had been in excellent form, boasting an 8-2 record over their last ten games, including a three-game winning streak leading into this matchup. The Pistons averaged 119.9 points scored while allowing only 108.1 points during this stretch, indicating a solid offensive and defensive balance. In their last five games, they averaged 122.2 points scored and 109.6 points allowed, further emphasizing their recent success.
On the other hand, the Cavaliers, with an away record of 52-30, also brought a commendable performance into the game. They had a 7-3 record in their last ten games, including a recent victory that extended their winning streak to one. Cleveland averaged 121.8 points scored and 119.0 points allowed during this period, highlighting their offensive capabilities, albeit with some defensive vulnerabilities. In their last five games, they averaged 122.6 points scored while allowing 118.2 points, suggesting they were also in good form, albeit slightly less consistent than their opponents.
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. The most recent encounter before this game took place on March 4, 2026, where the Pistons fell short, losing 109-113. However, they had previously triumphed against Cleveland on February 28, 2026, winning 122-119, indicating that this series was closely contested.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant player absences affecting either team, allowing both sides to field their strongest lineups. This factor likely contributed to the intensity and competitiveness of the game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Pistons favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 214.5. The odds reflected the expectation of a close game, with the Pistons at -162.0 on the money line and the Cavaliers at 136.0.
The game conditions were typical for a playoff atmosphere, with a packed arena and high stakes, which undoubtedly added to the excitement. Fans were treated to a display of skill and determination from both teams, making it a must-watch for basketball enthusiasts.
As the game progressed, the Pistons managed to maintain a lead, particularly in the fourth quarter, where key scoring plays made a significant impact. Jarrett Allen's layup brought the Cavaliers within striking distance at 95-101, but the Pistons responded with crucial shots from Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren, extending their lead. Despite Donovan Mitchell's efforts to close the gap with free throws, the Pistons held firm, ultimately sealing the game with free throws from Cade Cunningham.
The final score of 107-97 not only secured the win for the Pistons but also gave them a critical edge in the series, now leading 3-2. This victory showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the playoff series.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DET -3.5 | 214.5 o -115 / u -105 | Cleveland Cavaliers +136 · Detroit Pistons -162 |
Leaders
- PointsCade Cunningham25Detroit Pistons
- AssistsCade Cunningham10Detroit Pistons
- ReboundsJalen Duren10Detroit Pistons
- PointsDonovan Mitchell31Cleveland Cavaliers
- AssistsDennis Schroder5Cleveland Cavaliers
- ReboundsJarrett Allen7Cleveland 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
| 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 | 34-81 | 39-80 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 7-32 | 14-28 |
| Three-point % | 22 | 50 |
| Free throws | 22-27 | 15-20 |
| Free throw % | 81 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 30 |
| Assists | 20 | 21 |
| Steals | 7 | 9 |
| Blocks | 6 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 3 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 52 | 42 |
| Fouls | 19 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 14 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 1 | 94 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter66-70Tobias Harris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter66-72Isaiah Stewart makes tip shot
- 3rd Quarter68-72Evan Mobley makes driving layup (Jaylon Tyson assists)
- 3rd Quarter71-72Max Strus makes 27-foot three point jumper (Evan Mobley assists)
- 3rd Quarter71-74Cade Cunningham makes 7-foot fade away jump shot (Duncan Robinson assists)
- 3rd Quarter71-75Cade Cunningham makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter71-76Cade Cunningham makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter72-76Dennis Schroder makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter73-76Dennis Schroder makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter75-76James Harden makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter75-79Daniss Jenkins makes 29-foot three point jumper (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 4th Quarter77-79Jaylon Tyson makes driving layup (Dennis Schroder assists)
- 4th Quarter79-79Donovan Mitchell makes 5-foot floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter81-79Evan Mobley makes 4-foot dunk (Dennis Schroder assists)
- 4th Quarter81-81Tobias Harris makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter81-84Duncan Robinson makes 26-foot running jump shot (Ausar Thompson assists)
- 4th Quarter83-84Donovan Mitchell makes 5-foot running pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter83-86Tobias Harris makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter83-89Duncan Robinson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ausar Thompson assists)
- 4th Quarter84-89Jarrett Allen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-89Jarrett Allen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-89Dean Wade makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter87-92Cade Cunningham makes 26-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter89-92Jarrett Allen makes 9-foot floating jump shot (Max Strus assists)
- 4th Quarter89-94Cade Cunningham makes 11-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter91-94Jarrett Allen makes 4-foot layup (James Harden assists)
- 4th Quarter91-95Cade Cunningham makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter91-96Cade Cunningham makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter91-98Tobias Harris makes 8-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter92-98Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter92-101Cade Cunningham makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter93-101Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter95-101Jarrett Allen makes layup
- 4th Quarter95-103Ausar Thompson makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter96-103Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-103Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-104Jalen Duren makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-105Jalen Duren makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-106Cade Cunningham makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-107Cade Cunningham makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Detroit Pistons, below favours Cleveland Cavaliers.
Venue
- Little Caesars ArenaDetroit, MI
- Attendance20062
- OfficialsZach Zarba, Curtis Blair, Sean Corbin, Karl Lane
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- Cavaliers Dominate Pistons in Decisive Game 5 VictoryMay 17, 2026
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- Cavaliers Edge Pistons in Crucial Playoff ClashMay 11, 2026
- Cavaliers Edge Pistons in Close Playoff BattleMay 9, 2026