Cavs vs. Pistons prediction, odds, pick – 2/27/2026

The Eastern Conference hierarchy is on the line at Little Caesars Arena. The top-seeded Detroit Pistons look to protect their slim lead atop the standings against a resilient Cleveland Cavaliers fighting to maintain its top-four footing. Both teams are built around elite young cores and punishing frontcourts. As such, this matchup carries the intensity of a potential second-round playoff preview. The stakes are further heightened by a dense injury report for Cleveland. That leaves the league-leading Pistons as clear favorites to defend their home floor in front of a raucous Detroit crowd.

Cavs vs. Pistons betting odds

Cavs: +6.5, -112
Pistons: -6.5, -108
Over: 225.5, -110
Under: 225.5, -110

(All odds courtesy of Draftkings)

Cavs vs. Pistons key injuries

Cavs: G Dennis Schroder (Ankle), G Keon Ellis (Finger), G Donovan Mitchell (Groin), G James Harden (Thumb), F Dean Wade (Ankle)

Pistons: F Isaiah Stewart (Suspension)

Cavs vs. Pistons betting trends

The Cavs and Pistons have played each other 65 times since the 2010-11 regular season. Historically, the Cavs have held the upper hand with a 39-26 record in those head-to-head matchups. That includes a 12-game win streak from March 2022 until February 2025. After that, however, the Pistons have won two of their three most recent matchups. Their most recent encounter in January saw Detroit put up a 114-110 victory on the road. Entering this game, the Cavs have lost two of their last three games, including defeats against the Thunder and Bucks. Pistons, meanwhile, have won six of their last seven games, including victories over the Knicks (twice), Raptors, and Thunder.

Several betting trends do indicate that the Cavs and Pistons could still play in a tight game here:

• The Pistons have been one of the league’s best home teams this season (22-7), entering this game with a first-place standing in the Eastern Conference (43-14).
• Cleveland has struggled to cover the spread when playing as an underdog of 5 points or more on the road this season.
• Detroit has won two of the three previous meetings in the 2025-26 season series, covering the spread in both victories.
• The Under has hit in 4 of the last 6 games for the Cavaliers, largely due to their top-tier interior defense.
• Detroit is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games against Eastern Conference opponents with a winning record.

2025 records:

Cavs: 37-23 straight up, 25-35 ATS; Pistons: 43-14 straight up, 31-26 ATS

Over/Under:

Cavs 29-31; Pistons 24-32-1

Keys to Cavs vs. Pistons matchup

Cleveland Cavaliers

Control the paint:
Jarrett Allen’s presence will be pivotal. Limiting Jalen Duren’s second-chance opportunities is non-negotiable. This Detroit team thrives on put-backs and momentum-swinging rebounds.

Slow the tempo:
Detroit feeds off transition energy. Cleveland must dictate pace. They need to force half-court possessions where their defensive structure can shine and the crowd’s energy can be neutralized.

Guard depth step-up:
With Dennis Schröder, Donovan Mitchell, and James Harden battling injuries, other backcourt players must provide quality minutes. Avoiding empty possessions and turnovers will be essential to keeping Detroit from running.

Pistons Pistons

Backcourt pressure:
Detroit’s guards are relentless at the point of attack. Expect them to harass Cleveland’s ball-handlers early. They will force rushed decisions and create fast-break chances.

Bench scoring:
One of Detroit’s hidden strengths is its depth. When rotations tighten, the Pistons’ second unit has consistently built or protected leads. That’s an advantage against a Cavaliers bench potentially stretched thin.

Unleash Cade Cunningham:
Cunningham averages nearly 10 assists per game. He has evolved into one of the East’s premier playmakers. If he manipulates Cleveland’s interior defense and finds shooters like Duncan Robinson on the perimeter, Detroit’s offense becomes nearly impossible to contain.

Cavs vs. Pistons prediction and pick

This is a heavyweight Eastern Conference battle, but context matters. Detroit owns the best record in the East for a reason. Their balance, depth, and defensive discipline have translated into remarkable consistency at home.

On the other end, Cleveland remains dangerous, particularly if Mitchell suits up at full strength. Yet the combination of injury uncertainty and Detroit’s tempo advantage tilts the scales.

Expect a physical contest with playoff intensity. However, this is one where the Pistons will gradually assert control through rebounding and transition opportunities.

Final score prediction: Pistons 114, Cavs 105
Spread: Pistons -6.5
Over/Under: Under 225.5

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