The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Little Caesars Arena to face the conference-leading Detroit Pistons on Friday, February 27.
Cleveland enters the game following a narrow 118–116 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. Despite the defeat, the Cavaliers have been one of the league’s hottest teams, winning eight of their last ten. However, their depth is being tested at the worst possible time as they struggle through a rash of injuries to their starting backcourt and key rotation players.
The Pistons, meanwhile, continue to dominate the Eastern Conference with a 43–14 record. Coming off a 124–116 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit has matched Cleveland’s recent 8–2 run. Led by Cade Cunningham, who is averaging over 25 points per game, the Pistons’ offense ranks in the top ten league-wide. Their defense has allowed the fourth-fewest points in the NBA.
What is the Head-to-Head Record of the Cavaliers vs. Pistons?
This storied rivalry sees its 244th regular-season meeting tonight. Historically, the Pistons lead the all-time series 134–109. In the 2025-26 season, the series is currently split 1–1. Cleveland won the first matchup 116–95 in October, but Detroit won the most recent game 114–110 on January 4.
Projected Starting Lineups for Cavaliers vs. Pistons
Cleveland Cavaliers
- PG: James Harden
- SG: Jaylon Tyson
- SF: Isaac Okoro
- PF: Evan Mobley
- C: Jarrett Allen
Detroit Pistons
- PG: Cade Cunningham
- SG: Duncan Robinson
- SF: Ausar Thompson
- PF: Tobias Harris
- C: Jalen Duren
What Are The Injury Updates For The Cavaliers vs. Pistons Game?
Cavaliers
- Donovan Mitchell (Out – Groin Strain)
- Max Strus (Out – Foot)
- James Harden (Questionable – Thumb)
- Evan Mobley (Questionable – Injury Maintenance)
- Dean Wade (Questionable – Ankle)
Pistons
- Isaiah Stewart (Out – Suspension)
What Are The Betting Odds For The Cavaliers vs. Pistons Game?
- ATS Pick: Cavaliers (+7.5)
- O/U Pick: Under (225.5)
- Score Prediction: Pistons 114 – Cavaliers 109
*NBA Odds are subject to change.
Cavaliers vs. Pistons Game Preview
The Cavaliers’ success hinges on the availability of their stars. If active, Donovan Mitchell and James Harden provide elite scoring and playmaking, while Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley anchor a defense that excels at protecting the rim. Cleveland’s ability to knock down perimeter shots, ranking seventh in the league in three-pointers, will be crucial against Detroit’s interior presence.
The Detroit Pistons rely on a balanced attack and relentless rebounding, ranking fifth in the league in boards per game. Jalen Duren has been a force in the paint, while Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson provide the veteran spacing necessary to open lanes for Cunningham. With a nearly healthy roster, the Pistons look to capitalize on their home-court advantage, where they have lost only seven games all season.
This high-stakes Central Division clash features two of the East’s most formidable teams, with the Pistons holding the top seed and the Cavaliers firmly in fourth as the playoff race intensifies.
