| MATCHUP | Cleveland Cavaliers | Detroit Pistons |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 37-23 | 43-14 |
| Spread | +6.5 -118 | -6.5 -102 |
| Moneyline | +200 | -245 |
| Total | Over 227.5 (-108) | Under 227.5 (-112) |
| Where | Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI | |
| When | Friday, February 27, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN | |
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons collide at Little Caesars Arena on Friday night. Here’s a Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons prediction. This article will include a Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons pick.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been in great form as they’ve won 13 of their last 16 games overall, but they will be hoping to bounce back in this one after falling painfully short to the Bucks in a 118-116 road defeat on Wednesday. Jarrett Allen led the team with 27 points and 11 rebounds on 10 of 15 shooting; Dennis Schroder added 26 points with five assists, while Jaylon Tyson and Sam Merrill each scored 14 points.
As a team, the Cavaliers shot 48 percent from the field and just 12 of 40 from the 3-point line as they worked their way back from a 12-point deficit to tie the scores late in the fourth quarter, only to get stung by the Bucks’ Kevin Porter Jr., who nailed the game winner with just 20.2 seconds left on the clock.
Detroit Pistons Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons have been on fire as they’ve won 11 of their last 14 games overall and they will be eager to keep it going after outlasting the red-hot Thunder in a 124-116 home win on Wednesday. Cade Cunningham led the team with 29 points and 13 assists on 11 of 16 shooting; Jalen Duren tallied 29 points with 15 rebounds on 12 of 17 shooting, while Duncan Robinson chipped in with 16 points.
As a team, the Pistons shot 54 percent from the field and nine of 27 from the 3-point line as they got off to a slow start and fell behind by 12 points in the first quarter, but that only lit a fire under them as they dominated the second and third quarters by a combined 72-46 to open up a 17-point lead at one stage. The Pistons got next to no support from their bench but they all played great defense to limit the Thunder to just 41 percent shooting from the field for the game.
Why the Detroit Pistons will win
- The Pistons have won 10 of their last 11 night games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Cavaliers have lost three of their last four road games against Pistons teams that held winning records.
- The home team has covered the spread in seven of the Cavaliers’ last eight games.
- The Cavaliers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four night games against Central Division opponents.
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win
- The Cavaliers have won each of their last four games as road underdogs.
- The Pistons have lost 12 of their last 13 night games against Cavaliers teams that held a winning record.
- The road team has covered the spread in each of the Pistons’ last six games.
- The Pistons have failed to cover the spread in six of their last seven games at Little Caesars Arena against teams that held a winning record.
Total Points: Facts
- Eight of the Pistons’ last nine home games against Eastern Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Six of the Cavaliers’ last seven night games at Little Caesars Arena have gone UNDER the total points line.
Detroit Pistons Player Facts
- Ausar Thompson ranks 3rd amongst qualified players for steals per 36 minutes (2.7) this season.
- Paul Reed ranks 5th amongst qualified players for steals per 36 minutes (2.4) this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers Player Facts
- Jaylon Tyson ranks 1st amongst qualified forwards for 3P% (45.6%) this season.
- Jarrett Allen ranks 7th amongst qualified players for FG% (63.3%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Pistons rank 1st in the league for blocks per game this season (6.4).
- The Pistons rank 1st in the league for opponent turnovers per game this season (17.3).
- The Cavaliers rank 2nd in the league for field goals made per game this season (43.4).
- The Cavaliers are one of only two teams to win 10+ games when trailing after Q3 this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons Prediction
The Cavaliers are shorthanded for this one as they have ruled out Donovan Mitchell and they are keeping an eye on Dennis Schroder, Keon Ellis, James Harden, and Dean Wade, who are all questionable, while the Pistons are coming in with a full squad except for the suspended Isaiah Stewart.
Both teams are coming into this contest with plenty of winning momentum and the last meeting between these teams resulted in an 114-110 road win for the Pistons, so I am expecting another close one here. The injury cloud hanging over the Cavaliers makes things a bit tricky, but the Pistons look like the more settled team right now and I think they continue their strong run with a win and cover at home in this spot.