Pistons Edge Cavaliers in Close Contest
Sunday, January 4, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Rocket Arena
Detroit Pistons 114, Cleveland Cavaliers 110, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers?
Detroit Pistons beat Cleveland Cavaliers 114-110 at Rocket Arena on January 4, 2026.
Who was favored in Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers?
Cleveland Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The underdog won.
The Detroit Pistons secured a narrow victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning 114-110 in a tightly contested game at Rocket Arena. This match was notable as it marked the third meeting between these teams this season, with the series now tied at 1-1. The Cavaliers had entered the game on a three-game winning streak, showcasing a recent resurgence in form, while the Pistons were looking to bounce back after a loss to the Miami Heat.
Cleveland's recent performance has been characterized by a mixed record of 5-5 in their last ten games, with an average of 120.6 points scored and 119.7 points allowed per game. Their home record stands at 20-17, with a 4-2 mark in their last six home contests. Notably, they had scored over 120 points in three of their last four home games, suggesting a potent offensive capability. However, their defensive struggles were evident, as they allowed over 119 points in their recent outings.
In contrast, Detroit has maintained a stronger overall record of 26-9, although they have faced some challenges recently, going 6-4 in their last ten games. They averaged 119.4 points scored and allowed 111.8 points during this stretch. The Pistons' away record is 4-3 in their last seven games, indicating they have been competitive even outside their home venue.
The game featured several key scoring plays in the final quarter, with Darius Garland making a crucial driving jump shot to bring the Cavaliers within two points at 108-106. However, the Pistons responded with a tip shot from Ausar Thompson, extending their lead to 110-106. Free throws from Daniss Jenkins and a three-point jumper from Sam Merrill kept the pressure on Cleveland, ultimately leading to the Pistons' victory.
Historically, the Cavaliers have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning four out of the last five matchups against the Pistons. However, this season has shown a competitive edge, with both teams trading wins. The Cavaliers won their earlier meeting on October 27, 2025, with a score of 116-95, while the Pistons had previously defeated the Cavaliers 133-122 in March 2025.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any key players missing from either side, suggesting that both teams were at full strength for this matchup. This absence of injury concerns likely contributed to the high level of play exhibited throughout the game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Cavaliers favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 239.5. The odds reflected the Cavaliers' strong home performance and their recent winning streak, but the Pistons' overall record indicated a competitive matchup.
Conditions in Rocket Arena were conducive to a high-scoring game, with both teams demonstrating offensive prowess. Viewers were treated to an engaging contest that highlighted the skills of key players, including Garland and Mitchell for Cleveland, and Jenkins and Thompson for Detroit.
Overall, this game showcased the competitiveness of both teams and set the stage for an exciting remainder of the season, as they continue to vie for playoff positioning.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CLE -3.5 | 239.5 o -110 / u -110 | Detroit Pistons +130 · Cleveland Cavaliers -155 |
Leaders
- PointsDonovan Mitchell30Cleveland Cavaliers
- AssistsDarius Garland6Cleveland Cavaliers
- ReboundsJaylon Tyson7Cleveland Cavaliers
- PointsCade Cunningham27Detroit Pistons
- AssistsCade Cunningham7Detroit Pistons
- ReboundsRonald Holland II10Detroit Pistons
Recent form
Cleveland Cavaliers
Last 10: 5-5Streak W3120.6 scored · 119.7 allowed per game4-2 at home
- W113-108vs Denver NuggetsJan 3
- W129-113vs Phoenix SunsDec 31
- W113-101at San Antonio SpursDec 30
- L100-117at Houston RocketsDec 28
- L124-126at New York KnicksDec 25
- W141-118vs New Orleans PelicansDec 24
- W139-132vs Charlotte HornetsDec 23
- L125-136vs Chicago BullsDec 20
- L111-127at Chicago BullsDec 18
- L111-119vs Charlotte HornetsDec 14
Detroit Pistons
Last 10: 6-4Streak L1119.4 scored · 111.8 allowed per game4-3 away
- L112-118vs Miami HeatJan 2
- W128-106at Los Angeles LakersDec 31
- L99-112at LA ClippersDec 29
- L129-131at Utah JazzDec 27
- W136-127at Sacramento KingsDec 24
- W110-102at Portland Trail BlazersDec 23
- W112-86vs Charlotte HornetsDec 21
- L114-116at Dallas MavericksDec 19
- W112-105at Boston CelticsDec 16
- W142-115vs Atlanta HawksDec 13
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 | Detroit Pistons | Cleveland Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 39-95 | 35-80 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 15-40 | 14-42 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 33 |
| Free throws | 21-21 | 26-30 |
| Free throw % | 100 | 87 |
| Rebounds | 45 | 44 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 33 |
| Assists | 25 | 23 |
| Steals | 11 | 11 |
| Blocks | 9 | 10 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 21 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 19 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 30 |
| Fouls | 24 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 63 | 32 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter77-76De'Andre Hunter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter77-77De'Andre Hunter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter80-77Javonte Green makes 23-foot three point jumper (Daniss Jenkins assists)
- 3rd Quarter81-77Ronald Holland II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter82-77Ronald Holland II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter84-77Jaden Ivey makes 21-foot step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter84-79Donovan Mitchell makes 11-foot driving floating jump shot
- 3rd Quarter87-79Javonte Green makes 22-foot three point jumper (Daniss Jenkins assists)
- 3rd Quarter87-82De'Andre Hunter makes 26-foot three point jumper (Donovan Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter89-82Cade Cunningham makes driving layup (Isaiah Stewart assists)
- 4th Quarter92-82Jaden Ivey makes 26-foot three point jumper (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 4th Quarter92-83Nae'Qwan Tomlin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-83Ronald Holland II makes running layup (Javonte Green assists)
- 4th Quarter95-83Ronald Holland II makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter95-85Evan Mobley makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot (Lonzo Ball assists)
- 4th Quarter97-85Cade Cunningham makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter97-87Craig Porter Jr. makes 1-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter97-89Jaylon Tyson makes running layup (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter99-89Isaiah Stewart makes dunk
- 4th Quarter100-89Javonte Green makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-89Javonte Green makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-91Darius Garland makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter103-91Isaiah Stewart makes layup (Ausar Thompson assists)
- 4th Quarter103-93Donovan Mitchell makes 14-foot driving floating jump shot (Darius Garland assists)
- 4th Quarter106-93Javonte Green makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ausar Thompson assists)
- 4th Quarter106-95Evan Mobley makes 1-foot dunk (Darius Garland assists)
- 4th Quarter106-97Donovan Mitchell makes 1-foot layup (Evan Mobley assists)
- 4th Quarter106-99Donovan Mitchell makes running layup
- 4th Quarter106-102Donovan Mitchell makes 24-foot three pointer (Darius Garland assists)
- 4th Quarter106-103De'Andre Hunter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-104De'Andre Hunter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-104Isaiah Stewart makes 1-foot layup (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 4th Quarter108-106Darius Garland makes 9-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter110-106Ausar Thompson makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter110-107Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-107Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter112-107Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter112-110Sam Merrill makes 25-foot three point jumper (Lonzo Ball assists)
- 4th Quarter113-110Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-110Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Cleveland Cavaliers, below favours Detroit Pistons.
Venue
- Rocket ArenaCleveland, OH
- Attendance19432
- OfficialsJason Goldenberg, Scott Foster, Mousa Dagher
Elsewhere
- NBA offseason recap, early 2026-27 season previews by team
- Atlanta Hawks offseason recap, early 2026-27 season preview
- Tony Parker: 'Super happy' when he saw Patty Mills arrive
- 2026 NBA buzz: Latest free agency and trade updates
- NBA punishes Clippers after Kawhi investigation: Top questions
- Shelburne: 'Extremely severe punishments' on Steve Ballmer, Clippers
Picks for NBA
NBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Cavaliers Dominate Pistons in Decisive Game 5 VictoryMay 17, 2026
- Pistons Dominate Cavaliers in Game 5 VictoryMay 15, 2026
- Cavaliers Edge Pistons in Overtime ThrillerMay 13, 2026
- Cavaliers Edge Pistons in Crucial Playoff ClashMay 11, 2026
- Cavaliers Edge Pistons in Close Playoff BattleMay 9, 2026