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NBA · Final

Cavaliers Edge Pistons in Close Playoff Battle

Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons60-22
109
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers52-30
116

Saturday, May 9, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · Rocket Arena

Cleveland Cavaliers 116, Detroit Pistons 109, 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 Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers?

Cleveland Cavaliers beat Detroit Pistons 116-109 at Rocket Arena on May 9, 2026.

Who was favored in Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers?

Cleveland Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -192 (about 66% implied). The favorite won.

In a tightly contested playoff matchup, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons 116-109 at Rocket Arena, bringing the series to a tie at 2-2. This game was notable not only for the result but also for the competitive nature of the series, which has seen both teams trading wins throughout the playoffs.

Cleveland entered the game with a strong home record of 52-30, while Detroit boasted a superior away record of 60-22. The Cavaliers have been in good form recently, winning seven of their last ten games, with an average of 121.8 points scored and 119.0 points allowed per game. They were riding a one-game winning streak, having recently secured a victory against the Washington Wizards with a score of 130-117. The Cavaliers' home record in their last five games was 4-1, indicating their strength at Rocket Arena.

On the other side, the Pistons came into this game with an impressive record of 8-2 in their last ten outings, showcasing their ability to score an average of 119.9 points while allowing just 108.1 points. They were on a three-game winning streak, their latest victory being against the Indiana Pacers, where they won 133-121. Detroit's recent performance has highlighted their scoring prowess and defensive capabilities, making them a formidable opponent.

The matchup at Rocket Arena was particularly intriguing due to the teams' previous encounters this season. In their last eight meetings, Cleveland held a slight edge with a record of 5-3 against Detroit. Earlier in the season, the Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 113-109 in a home game on March 4, while the Pistons won their previous encounter on February 28, 122-119.

In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details about player availability, but both teams have had their share of health concerns throughout the season. The absence of key players can significantly impact the dynamics of such a critical playoff game.

The betting market reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with DraftKings setting the spread at Cleveland -4.5 and the total points line at 211.5. The odds for Cleveland to win outright were -192.0, while Detroit was listed at +160.0, indicating a belief in Cleveland's home advantage but acknowledging Detroit's strong season overall.

Conditions at Rocket Arena were conducive for basketball, with no adverse weather factors reported, allowing for a focused performance from both teams.

As the game unfolded, pivotal moments included several scoring plays in the fourth quarter that kept fans on the edge of their seats. James Harden made a crucial 15-foot step back jumpshot, bringing the Pistons within striking distance at 108-103. Cade Cunningham responded with a driving dunk, narrowing the gap to 108-105. Harden continued to assert his presence with a 6-foot driving floating jump shot, pushing the score to 110-105 in favor of the Cavaliers. Cunningham then hit a long three-pointer, making it 110-108, but Harden's subsequent three-point step back extended Cleveland's lead to 113-108.

Donovan Mitchell played a vital role in sealing the game for the Cavaliers, hitting three free throws in the final moments, bringing the score to 116-108. Despite Cunningham's efforts to keep the Pistons competitive, the Cavaliers held on for the victory.

Fans watching this game were treated to a showcase of skill and determination from both teams, with high stakes and playoff intensity evident throughout. The series is now tied, setting the stage for a thrilling continuation as both teams vie for a spot in the next round.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsCLE -4.5 211.5 o -110 / u -110 Detroit Pistons +160 · Cleveland Cavaliers -192

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

Leaders

  • PointsDonovan Mitchell35Cleveland Cavaliers
  • AssistsJames Harden7Cleveland Cavaliers
  • ReboundsDonovan Mitchell10Cleveland Cavaliers
  • PointsCade Cunningham27Detroit Pistons
  • AssistsCade Cunningham10Detroit Pistons
  • ReboundsCade Cunningham10Detroit Pistons

Recent form

Cleveland Cavaliers

Last 10: 7-3Streak W1121.8 scored · 119 allowed per game4-1 at home

  • 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

Detroit Pistons

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

  • 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

Standings

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

Box score

StatDetroit PistonsCleveland Cavaliers
Field goals41-9143-74
Field goal %4558
Three-pointers9-2512-32
Three-point %3638
Free throws18-2218-28
Free throw %8264
Rebounds4033
Offensive rebounds175
Defensive rebounds2328
Assists2322
Steals123
Blocks47
Turnovers1515
Team turnovers10
Technical fouls01
Technical fouls, total01
Flagrant fouls00
Points off turnovers2719
Fast-break points1110
Points in the paint6054
Fouls2517
Largest lead717
Lead changes1111
Time in front1875

How the scoring went

  1. 3rd Quarter76-74Paul Reed makes dunk
  2. 3rd Quarter76-76Max Strus makes layup (Evan Mobley assists)
  3. 3rd Quarter76-79Jaylon Tyson makes 22-foot three point jumper (Evan Mobley assists)
  4. 3rd Quarter76-81Donovan Mitchell makes 12-foot driving floating jump shot
  5. 3rd Quarter76-83Donovan Mitchell makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
  6. 3rd Quarter78-83Tobias Harris makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
  7. 3rd Quarter79-83Tobias Harris makes free throw 1 of 1
  8. 3rd Quarter80-83Tobias Harris makes tip shot
  9. 4th Quarter78-85Donovan Mitchell makes running layup
  10. 4th Quarter80-85Caris LeVert makes 1-foot dunk (Jalen Duren assists)
  11. 4th Quarter80-86Evan Mobley makes free throw 1 of 2
  12. 4th Quarter80-87Evan Mobley makes free throw 2 of 2
  13. 4th Quarter83-87Javonte Green makes 24-foot three point jumper (Duncan Robinson assists)
  14. 4th Quarter83-90Sam Merrill makes 23-foot three point jumper (Donovan Mitchell assists)
  15. 4th Quarter83-92Donovan Mitchell makes two point shot (James Harden assists)
  16. 4th Quarter85-94Evan Mobley makes 2-foot driving floating jump shot
  17. 4th Quarter87-94Paul Reed makes driving layup (Cade Cunningham assists)
  18. 4th Quarter88-94Paul Reed makes free throw 1 of 1
  19. 4th Quarter88-96James Harden makes 1-foot driving floating jump shot
  20. 4th Quarter90-96Paul Reed makes 13-foot two point shot (Daniss Jenkins assists)
  21. 4th Quarter90-99Dennis Schroder makes 23-foot three point jumper (Evan Mobley assists)
  22. 4th Quarter93-99Duncan Robinson makes 31-foot jump bank shot (Daniss Jenkins assists)
  23. 4th Quarter94-99Paul Reed makes free throw 1 of 2
  24. 4th Quarter95-99Paul Reed makes free throw 2 of 2
  25. 4th Quarter95-100Jarrett Allen makes free throw 1 of 2
  26. 4th Quarter97-100Cade Cunningham makes 16-foot step back jumpshot (Duncan Robinson assists)
  27. 4th Quarter100-100Tobias Harris makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ausar Thompson assists)
  28. 4th Quarter100-101Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
  29. 4th Quarter100-102Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
  30. 4th Quarter100-104Jarrett Allen makes dunk
  31. 4th Quarter103-104Duncan Robinson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Cade Cunningham assists)
  32. 4th Quarter103-106Max Strus makes running layup
  33. 4th Quarter103-108James Harden makes 15-foot step back jumpshot
  34. 4th Quarter105-108Cade Cunningham makes 1-foot driving dunk
  35. 4th Quarter105-110James Harden makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
  36. 4th Quarter108-110Cade Cunningham makes 28-foot three pointer
  37. 4th Quarter108-113James Harden makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
  38. 4th Quarter108-114Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
  39. 4th Quarter108-115Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
  40. 4th Quarter108-116Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2

Win probability

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

Venue

  • Rocket ArenaCleveland, OH
  • Attendance19432
  • OfficialsPat Fraher, Courtney Kirkland, Scott Foster, Tre Maddox

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