The Cleveland Cavaliers (0-1) and Detroit Pistons (1-0) meet in Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals this Thursday. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, with the game streaming live on Amazon Prime Video.
The Pistons are 3.5-point home favorites over the Cavaliers in Game 2 tonight, with the over/under set at 216.5 total points. Detroit is a -162 moneyline favorite to win outright, while Cleveland is priced at +136 to pull off the road upset.
Continue below for my Cavaliers vs. Pistons predictions and NBA picks for Game 2 of this second-round playoff series on Thursday, May 7.
Cavaliers vs Pistons Prediction
- Cavaliers vs Pistons pick: Over 215.5 (-112)
My Pistons vs. Cavaliers Game 2 best bet is on the total to go over 215.5 points. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Cavaliers vs Pistons Game 2 Odds
| Cavaliers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -105 | 215.5 -112o / -108u | +136 |
| Pistons Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -115 | 215.5 -112o / -108u | -162 |
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons NBA Playoffs Preview
Pistons Betting Preview: Bizarre Spot for Detroit
I'm not picking either side in Game 2 tonight. It's a bizarre spot for Detroit. We rarely see two squads coming off grueling seven-game series that are also both this talented.
In many ways, the matchup has simplified for both sides. The Pistons finally has Jalen Duren loose and playing like an All-NBA force again, while Cleveland is no longer dealing with the kitchen sink defensive chaos the Raptors provided.
There is more space for the Cavaliers and less daunting size for Detroit to navigate in this series.
Game 1 was a back-and-forth battle primarily decided by turnovers. The Pistons feasted with 31 points off turnovers—a number that usually looks like smoke and mirrors, but in reality, that is just Detroit's identity.
Cavaliers Betting Preview: Self-Inflicted Errors
The Cavaliers actually finished with a better effective field goal percentage in Game 1, but they lost the game due to self-inflicted errors.
Either Cleveland plays a cleaner game and evens things up in Game 2 tonight, or the Pistons bully them into a disastrous 0-2 hole.
The trends are conflicting, and I can’t quite parse the best spot to target here.
I lean toward the Cavaliers simply because I expect a tight, lengthy series, and a 1-1 split is the most direct path to that outcome. But as for an official bet, I will be targeting the total instead.
Cavaliers vs Pistons Picks, Betting Predictions
Over 215.5
I expect a significantly better offensive performance from the Cavaliers in Game 2. While they hoisted 38 three-point attempts in the opener, the key will be maximizing the quality of those looks—specifically by getting Evan Mobley involved from deep to drag Detroit’s rim protectors out of the paint.
Even if James Harden struggles again, there’s plenty of room for optimism regarding Donovan Mitchell. Despite the lingering injury concerns, Mitchell looked comfortable attacking the basket in Game 1 and likely has a much higher scoring ceiling than his previous output suggests.
Sam Merrill is questionable with a hamstring injury, which might actually be a blessing in disguise for Cleveland. Merrill was a dismal -10 in the opener, yet Kenny Atkinson has a bizarre obsession with relying on him over more athletic options like Jaylon Tyson.
Tyson provides the defensive versatility the Cavs need without sacrificing the perimeter gravity. If Cleveland is forced to pivot toward more athletic defenders who can still shoot, they’ll be in a much stronger position to even the series.
Jalen Duren Over 2.5 Assists
Duren has recorded over 2.5 assists in back-to-back games.
Given how the Cavs defend the pick-and-roll, Duren should continue to have passing chances off the short-roll when they blitz Cade Cunningham; and on offensive rebounds, as he found open shooters multiple times on second-chance kick-outs in Game 1.
Donovan Mitchell Over 28.5 Points & Assists
Mitchell had lots of easy looks at the basket and missed a fair amount in Game 1. Maybe the injuries drain his efficiency, but I think it’s more likely he vanquishes them moving forward.
The Pistons brought a lot of help defense on his drives last game, allowing a bunch of passing chances.
I don’t think this is a "Harden series." However, I do think it’s a "Mitchell series," and if you think the Cavs are going to put up a better fight in Game 2 tonight, then that will likely be led by Mitchell.
Cavaliers vs Pistons Game 2 Best Bets
- Over 215.5 (-112)
- Jalen Duren Over 2.5 Assists (+130)
- Donovan Mitchell Over 28.5 Points & Assists (-105)
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