Cavaliers Edge Pistons in Crucial Playoff Clash
Monday, May 11, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Rocket Arena
Cleveland Cavaliers 112, Detroit Pistons 103, 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 112-103 at Rocket Arena on May 11, 2026.
Who was favored in Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers?
Cleveland Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -166 (about 62% implied). The favorite won.
The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a vital victory over the Detroit Pistons with a final score of 112-103, taking the series lead to 3-2. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it was a pivotal game in a tightly contested series, now tied 2-2 before this decisive encounter. The Cavaliers, boasting a home record of 52-30, demonstrated their strength at Rocket Arena, where they have been formidable this season.
In terms of recent form, the Cavaliers entered this game with a record of 7-3 in their last ten games, currently on a one-game winning streak. They have averaged 121.8 points scored while allowing 119.0 points during this stretch. Their last five games have seen them average 122.6 points scored and 118.2 points allowed. In contrast, the Pistons have been in impressive form, winning 8 of their last 10 games and riding a three-game winning streak into this matchup. They averaged 119.9 points scored and allowed 108.1 points in their recent games, with their last five games yielding an average of 122.2 points scored and 109.6 points allowed.
At home, the Cavaliers have shown a solid record of 4-1 in their last five games, while the Pistons have been strong on the road, with a 4-2 record in their away games. This home-court advantage was evident as the Cavaliers looked to capitalize on their familiarity with Rocket Arena.
The two teams have faced each other multiple times this season, with the Cavaliers holding a slight edge in their head-to-head record at 5-3 over the past two seasons. Their most recent meeting prior to this game was on March 4, 2026, where the Cavaliers triumphed 113-109 at home. The previous matchups have been competitive, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities.
In terms of injuries, both teams appeared to be at full strength for this crucial playoff game, allowing each side to field their best lineups. This absence of key injuries contributed to the intensity and competitiveness of the match.
The betting market reflected the close nature of the game, with DraftKings setting the odds at CLE -3.5, indicating a tight contest expected between the two teams. The total for the game was set at 213.5, with odds for the over at -105.0 and under at -115.0, suggesting that a low-scoring game was anticipated.
Conditions at Rocket Arena were favorable for basketball, with a supportive home crowd that energized the Cavaliers throughout the game. Fans were treated to a thrilling display of skill and determination as both teams fought for every point.
As the game unfolded, the Cavaliers managed to maintain control in the fourth quarter, with key plays from their star players. Evan Mobley contributed significantly with a crucial dunk, while Donovan Mitchell added to the scoreboard with a free throw that pushed the Cavaliers to a comfortable lead. The Pistons fought back valiantly with Marcus Sasser scoring important points, but it was not enough to overcome the Cavaliers' lead.
The Cavaliers' ability to execute under pressure and their strong home performance ultimately led them to victory. Fans can look forward to the next game in this series, as both teams continue to battle for supremacy in this exciting playoff matchup.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CLE -3.5 | 213.5 o -105 / u -115 | Detroit Pistons +140 · Cleveland Cavaliers -166 |
Leaders
- PointsDonovan Mitchell43Cleveland Cavaliers
- AssistsJames Harden11Cleveland Cavaliers
- ReboundsEvan Mobley8Cleveland Cavaliers
- PointsCaris LeVert24Detroit Pistons
- AssistsCade Cunningham6Detroit Pistons
- ReboundsTobias Harris8Detroit 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
| 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 | 42-83 | 34-78 |
| Field goal % | 51 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 10-23 | 14-41 |
| Three-point % | 43 | 34 |
| Free throws | 9-12 | 30-34 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 21 |
| Assists | 23 | 23 |
| Steals | 10 | 11 |
| Blocks | 3 | 8 |
| Turnovers | 18 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 25 | 20 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 50 | 34 |
| Fouls | 27 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 21 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 31 | 62 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter70-80Paul Reed makes 1-foot reverse layup (Caris LeVert assists)
- 3rd Quarter70-81Evan Mobley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter70-82Evan Mobley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter73-82Duncan Robinson makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot (Paul Reed assists)
- 3rd Quarter73-85James Harden makes 24-foot three point jumper (Max Strus assists)
- 3rd Quarter73-87Dennis Schroder makes 14-foot two point shot (James Harden assists)
- 3rd Quarter75-87Paul Reed makes layup (Daniss Jenkins assists)
- 3rd Quarter75-88James Harden makes free throw 1 of 3
- 3rd Quarter75-89James Harden makes free throw 2 of 3
- 3rd Quarter75-90James Harden makes free throw 3 of 3
- 3rd Quarter77-90Paul Reed makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter77-92Evan Mobley makes layup (Max Strus assists)
- 4th Quarter77-94Donovan Mitchell makes running layup
- 4th Quarter77-96Donovan Mitchell makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot (Evan Mobley assists)
- 4th Quarter77-97Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-98Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter79-98Cade Cunningham makes driving layup (Jalen Duren assists)
- 4th Quarter79-99Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter79-100Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter81-100Cade Cunningham makes 17-foot driving floating jump shot (Jalen Duren assists)
- 4th Quarter83-100Jalen Duren makes driving dunk
- 4th Quarter86-100Cade Cunningham makes 25-foot running jump shot (Ausar Thompson assists)
- 4th Quarter86-101Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-102Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-105Donovan Mitchell makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter88-105Ausar Thompson makes reverse layup (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 4th Quarter88-107Donovan Mitchell makes 6-foot floating jump shot (Jarrett Allen assists)
- 4th Quarter89-107Tobias Harris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter90-107Tobias Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter92-107Caris LeVert makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter92-108Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter92-109Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-109Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-109Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-109Marcus Sasser makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot (Daniss Jenkins assists)
- 4th Quarter99-109Paul Reed makes 1-foot running dunk
- 4th Quarter101-109Marcus Sasser makes running layup (Paul Reed assists)
- 4th Quarter101-111Evan Mobley makes dunk
- 4th Quarter101-112Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-112Marcus Sasser makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Cleveland Cavaliers, below favours Detroit Pistons.
Venue
- Rocket ArenaCleveland, OH
- Attendance19432
- OfficialsJosh Tiven, Marc Davis, Tre Maddox, Mitchell Ervin
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- 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 Close Playoff BattleMay 9, 2026
- Pistons Edge Cavaliers in Playoff ShowdownMay 7, 2026