The Cleveland Cavaliers (2-1) and Detroit Pistons (2-1) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. EDT from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Mich. The game will broadcast live on Peacock.
The Cavaliers are favored by -2.5 on the spread (Cavaliers -2.5), with the over/under set at 231.5 total points. The Cavaliers are -142 favorites to win outright on the moneyline, while the Pistons are +120 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Cavaliers vs. Pistons predictions and NBA picks for Monday, October 27.
My Cavaliers vs Pistons Prediction
- Cavaliers vs Pistons pick: Evan Mobley Over 3.5 Assists
My Cavaliers vs Pistons best bet is on Evan Mobley Over 3.5 Assists, with the best price currently available at BetMGM.
As always, make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Cavaliers vs Pistons Odds
| Cavaliers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -108 | 231.5 -107o / -110u | -142 |
| Pistons Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -112 | 231.5 -107o / -110u | +120 |
Cavaliers vs Pistons NBA Preview
After dropping their season opener in Chicago, the Pistons have rattled off consecutive wins over playoff teams from last season — the Rockets and Celtics. Cade Cunningham has led the way as expected, with 20 points and eight assists in each of his first three games. However, Detroit's young core has been thriving.
After helping the Pistons beat his twin brother on Friday, Ausar Thompson had 21 points and 12 rebounds last night. He has helped take some of the ball-handling responsibilities off Cunningham's shoulders as the Pistons play without Jaden Ivey. Along with Jalen Duren, he helped the Pistons record 30 second-chance points off 19 offensive rebounds.
Jalen Duren posted a monster game yesterday with 24 points, 18 rebounds, and two blocks. Previously, he had been plagued by foul trouble and was ejected on Friday night. Considering his matchup tonight, Duren's fouls will be something to monitor, though the Pistons do not lose much going to Isaiah Stewart.
Like Detroit, the Cavaliers also dropped their season opener and have since won their past two games, defeating the Bucks 118-113 last night. Donovan Mitchell has scored 30 points in two of his first three games and is averaging 30 points and 4.7 assists this season. Evan Mobley continues to ascend after his first All-NBA selection last season. He is averaging 19.3 points, eight rebounds, 4.7 assists, two steals, and 1.7 blocks per game to begin the year.
Cleveland also got De’Andre Hunter back last night after he missed the first two games with a knee injury. He scored 16 points in 27 minutes, though his status on the second night of a back-to-back is worth monitoring. Cleveland will likely be without Lonzo Ball tonight as part of his injury management for his knee. Ball has been a key playmaker for the Cavaliers without Darius Garland.
Sam Merrill has been an early surprise filling in for Max Strus. He is averaging 19 points while shooting 51.7% from 3 on 9.7 attempts per game.
Cavaliers vs Pistons Prediction, Betting Analysis
Evan Mobley continues to gain more responsibilities in Kenny Atkinson's offense, including being used more as a facilitator. He has recorded four assists in two of his first three games this season, and five and six in his last two. Tonight, there should be a few more assists available as both Garland and Ball will be out. As a result, I would expect Detroit (ninth in defensive rating) to send more traps and pressure at Mitchell, with Mobley serving as the hub to help him out.
Mobley averaged 4.3 assists in four games against the Pistons last season, including one game with seven assists. A few may go to Merrill, who has made four three-pointers in each of his first three games. I like him to knock down at least three tonight.
As mentioned, Cunningham has 20 points and eight assists in all three games this season while averaging 32 P+A combined. He averaged 31 points and seven assists against Cleveland last season, with at least 30 P+A in two of three meetings. I also like him for 20 points, rebounds, and assists tonight. He averaged 20.3 PRA against Cleveland last season and is over 29 per game to begin this season.
Pick: Evan Mobley Over 3.5 Assists (-125, BetMGM)
Cavaliers vs. Pistons Parlay Odds
Cade Cunningham 30+ Points + Assists
Evan Mobley Over 3.5 Assists
Ausar Thompson 20+ Points + Rebounds + Assists
Sam Merrill 3+ Three Pointers
Parlay Odds: +340 at DraftKings
Spread
No bet for me on the side.
Moneyline
No action for me here.
Over/Under
Lean Under. Both teams rank in the top 10 defensively and could slow down on tired legs.
Pistons vs Cavaliers Betting Trends
