The Cleveland Cavaliers have a chance to advance out of the second round for the first time since 2018. We’ll see if they have what it takes against a Detroit Pistons team that’s used to having their backs against the wall.
After falling down 0-2 in the series, the Cavs have strung together three straight wins thanks to exceptional play from their entire core four. This included overcoming a double-digit deficit to defeat the Pistons on the road in Game 5
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Getting the last game could be the hardest.
“I’ve been in this position before, and have lost this next Game 6, then that puts a lot of pressure on you in Game 7, especially if you have to go on the road,” head coach Kenny Atkinson said immediately after Wednesday’s win. “It’s a must-win game for us in terms of if we want to move forward.”
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Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (3-2) vs. Detroit Pistons (2-3)
Where: Rocket Arena – Cleveland, OH
When: Fri., May 15 at 7 PM
TV: Prime Video
Point spread: Cavs -3.5
Cavs injury report: None
Pistons injury report: Duncan Robinson – QUESTIONABLE (back), Kevin Huerter – QUESTIONABLE (abductor strain), Caris LeVert – QUESTIONABLE (heel)
Cavs expected starting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Pistons expected starting lineup: Cade Cunningham, Daniss Jenkins, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren
Previous matchup: The Cavaliers overcame a nine-point deficit in the final three minutes to steal Game 5.
Here’s a look at both teams’ regular-season impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.
|
Offensive Rating |
Defensive Rating |
Net Rating |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cavs |
118.9 (8th) |
115 (15th) |
+3.9 (9th) |
|
Pistons |
118.3 (10th) |
109.5 (2nd) |
+8.8 (3rd) |
