Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction 5/17/26 NBA Picks Today

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons collide in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday night.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will be kicking themselves after missing out on a crucial chance to close out the series in Game 6 after coming up well short to the Pistons in a 115-94 loss on Friday. James Harden led the team with 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals, Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell each scored 18 points while Jarrett Allen chipped in with 13 points on five of six shooting. As a team, the Cavaliers shot 39 percent from the field and 12 of 35 from the 3-point line as they finished the first half strong to cut into an early 12-point deficit just before halftime, but they scored just 19 points in the third quarter and never threatened once the deficit went back up to double digits. Mitchell had a rough game as he shot just six of 20 from the field, while Harden racked up eight turnovers in a sloppy performance.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons will be feeling much better after they staved off elimination with a big win on the road in Game 6 on Friday. Cade Cunningham led the team with 21 points and eight assists, Paul Reed provided the spark off the bench with 17 points on seven of nine shooting while Jalen Duren and Daniss Jenkins each scored 15 points. As a team, the Pistons shot 52 percent from the field and 16 of 36 from the 3-point line as they got off to a decent start and took a three-point lead into halftime, but the game was still relatively close until late in the third quarter where the Pistons went on a run to turn an eight-point lead into a 17-point lead which was more than enough to take down the Cavaliers and force a dramatic series decider back at home.

The Cavaliers have listed Larry Nance Jr as doubtful with an illness, while the Pistons are keeping an eye on Caris LeVert, Duncan Robinson and Kevin Huerter who are all listed as questionable for this game. The Cavaliers held all the momentum in the series after reeling off three wins on the trot, but Harden and Mitchell really struggled in Game 6 and they didn’t get any support from their bench players who got outscored by the Pistons’ reserves by 48-19. The series now shifts back to Detroit where the Pistons are 5-2 so far during these playoffs, but there is still an injury cloud hanging over a few of their role players. This series has been tricky to pick, but while the Cavaliers are tempting with the points, the Pistons have home-court advantage and are clearly better on defense which I think will be the difference in this one. You can make an argument for either side, but I am backing the Pistons to move on to the next round with a narrow win and cover here.

Peter Tran's Free Pick: Detroit -4.5

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