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NBA · Final

Cavaliers Edge Pistons in Close Contest

Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons45-15
109
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers39-24
113

Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Rocket Arena

Cleveland Cavaliers 113, Detroit Pistons 109, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.

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Quick answers

Who won Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers?

Cleveland Cavaliers beat Detroit Pistons 113-109 at Rocket Arena on March 3, 2026.

Who was favored in Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers?

Detroit Pistons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The underdog won.

In a tightly contested matchup, the Cleveland Cavaliers narrowly defeated the Detroit Pistons with a final score of 113-109. This victory not only broke a tie in their season series, now standing at 3-2 in favor of the Cavaliers, but also showcased the competitive spirit of both teams as they vie for playoff positioning in the NBA.

Cleveland entered the game with a home record of 39-24 and had been performing well recently, with a record of 7-3 over their last ten games. They were on a one-game winning streak, having just beaten the Brooklyn Nets 106-102. The Cavaliers averaged 118.2 points scored per game while allowing 111.0 points during this stretch. Their recent form had seen them win three consecutive home games, contributing to a strong home record of 3-0 in their last three outings.

On the other hand, the Detroit Pistons boasted an impressive away record of 45-15 and were riding a three-game winning streak, having won eight of their last ten games. They averaged 116.5 points scored and allowed 106.7 points during their recent run. Their last game before facing the Cavaliers saw them defeat the Orlando Magic 106-92, further solidifying their strong away performance with a perfect 5-0 record in their last five road games.

The two teams had faced each other just a few days prior, on February 28, 2026, where the Pistons secured a victory over the Cavaliers with a score of 122-119. This recent history added an extra layer of intensity to their matchup at Rocket Arena, where the Cavaliers were eager to reclaim their dominance in the series.

In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but any absence of key players could have had a significant impact on the game's outcome. Both teams were likely to be cautious about their lineups, especially given the stakes involved in a close playoff race.

The betting market reflected the competitive nature of the game, with DraftKings listing the Pistons as 2.5-point favorites. The total points line was set at 227.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair. The money line favored the Pistons at -142, while the Cavaliers were listed at +120.

Conditions during the game were not detailed in the block, but factors such as crowd support, player performance, and in-game adjustments would have played critical roles in this closely contested match.

As the game unfolded, key scoring plays highlighted the back-and-forth nature of the contest. Sam Merrill made a crucial 26-foot three-point jumper to put the Cavaliers ahead 107-103, followed by Jalen Duren's alley-oop layup for the Pistons, which narrowed the gap to 107-105. Evan Mobley contributed by making two free throws, extending Cleveland's lead to 108-105. Dennis Schroder and James Harden followed with critical baskets that kept the Cavaliers ahead, while Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren responded with dunks for Detroit.

In the final moments, Jaylon Tyson's free throw sealed the deal for Cleveland, ensuring their victory at 113-109. The Cavaliers' ability to execute in crunch time proved decisive, as they maintained their composure under pressure.

This game not only highlighted the talent on both rosters but also set the stage for an exciting remainder of the season as both teams continue to push for playoff positioning.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsDET -2.5 227.5 o -120 / u +100 Detroit Pistons -142 · Cleveland Cavaliers +120

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

Leaders

  • PointsJaylon Tyson22Cleveland Cavaliers
  • AssistsJames Harden7Cleveland Cavaliers
  • ReboundsCraig Porter Jr.8Cleveland Cavaliers
  • PointsJalen Duren24Detroit Pistons
  • AssistsCade Cunningham14Detroit Pistons
  • ReboundsJalen Duren14Detroit Pistons

Recent form

Cleveland Cavaliers

Last 10: 7-3Streak W1118.2 scored · 111 allowed per game3-0 at home

  • W106-102at Brooklyn NetsMar 1
  • L119-122at Detroit PistonsFeb 28
  • 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

Detroit Pistons

Last 10: 8-2Streak W3116.5 scored · 106.7 allowed per game5-0 away

  • W106-92at Orlando MagicMar 1
  • W122-119vs Cleveland CavaliersFeb 28
  • 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

Standings

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

Box score

StatDetroit PistonsCleveland Cavaliers
Field goals39-7738-86
Field goal %5144
Three-pointers9-2417-46
Three-point %3837
Free throws22-2920-26
Free throw %7677
Rebounds4438
Offensive rebounds1011
Defensive rebounds3427
Assists2927
Steals97
Blocks74
Turnovers1310
Team turnovers10
Technical fouls00
Technical fouls, total00
Flagrant fouls00
Points off turnovers1513
Fast-break points109
Points in the paint4840
Fouls2320
Largest lead411
Lead changes44
Time in front490

How the scoring went

  1. 3rd Quarter75-79Caris LeVert makes 2-foot dunk (Ronald Holland II assists)
  2. 3rd Quarter75-81Craig Porter Jr. makes 1-foot driving dunk (Keon Ellis assists)
  3. 3rd Quarter76-81Tobias Harris makes free throw 1 of 2
  4. 3rd Quarter77-81Tobias Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
  5. 3rd Quarter77-83Keon Ellis makes 9-foot jump bank shot (Dennis Schroder assists)
  6. 3rd Quarter77-84Keon Ellis makes free throw 1 of 1
  7. 3rd Quarter79-84Tobias Harris makes driving layup
  8. 3rd Quarter80-84Tobias Harris makes free throw 1 of 1
  9. 3rd Quarter80-87Dennis Schroder makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaylon Tyson assists)
  10. 3rd Quarter80-89Craig Porter Jr. makes two point shot
  11. 4th Quarter83-89Javonte Green makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cade Cunningham assists)
  12. 4th Quarter83-92Jaylon Tyson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
  13. 4th Quarter83-94Dennis Schroder makes 1-foot two point shot
  14. 4th Quarter85-94Ausar Thompson makes 9-foot floating jump shot (Cade Cunningham assists)
  15. 4th Quarter86-94Ausar Thompson makes free throw 1 of 2
  16. 4th Quarter86-97Jaylon Tyson makes 23-foot three point jumper (James Harden assists)
  17. 4th Quarter88-97Javonte Green makes running layup (Ausar Thompson assists)
  18. 4th Quarter88-98James Harden makes free throw 1 of 2
  19. 4th Quarter88-99James Harden makes free throw 2 of 2
  20. 4th Quarter90-99Ausar Thompson makes dunk (Daniss Jenkins assists)
  21. 4th Quarter92-99Javonte Green makes alley oop dunk (Ausar Thompson assists)
  22. 4th Quarter92-100James Harden makes free throw 1 of 2
  23. 4th Quarter92-101James Harden makes free throw 2 of 2
  24. 4th Quarter93-101Jalen Duren makes free throw 1 of 2
  25. 4th Quarter94-101Jalen Duren makes free throw 2 of 2
  26. 4th Quarter96-101Daniss Jenkins makes driving layup (Duncan Robinson assists)
  27. 4th Quarter97-101Jalen Duren makes free throw 2 of 2
  28. 4th Quarter99-101Tobias Harris makes 9-foot step back jumpshot
  29. 4th Quarter99-104Evan Mobley makes 24-foot three pointer
  30. 4th Quarter100-104Cade Cunningham makes free throw 1 of 2
  31. 4th Quarter101-104Cade Cunningham makes free throw 2 of 2
  32. 4th Quarter103-104Jalen Duren makes 1-foot dunk (Cade Cunningham assists)
  33. 4th Quarter103-107Sam Merrill makes 26-foot three point jumper (James Harden assists)
  34. 4th Quarter105-107Jalen Duren makes alley oop layup (Ausar Thompson assists)
  35. 4th Quarter105-108Evan Mobley makes free throw 2 of 2
  36. 4th Quarter105-110Dennis Schroder makes driving layup
  37. 4th Quarter105-112James Harden makes 5-foot two point shot
  38. 4th Quarter107-112Ausar Thompson makes 1-foot running dunk (Cade Cunningham assists)
  39. 4th Quarter109-112Jalen Duren makes 1-foot running dunk (Ausar Thompson assists)
  40. 4th Quarter109-113Jaylon Tyson makes free throw 1 of 2

Win probability

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

Venue

  • Rocket ArenaCleveland, OH
  • Attendance19432
  • OfficialsPat Fraher, Karl Lane, Ashley Moyer-Gleich

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