Cleveland (59-14) at Detroit (41-32)
- When: Mar 28 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI, USA
- TV: FDSDET
NBA Betting Preview: Cavaliers vs Pistons – Odds, Predictions & Best Bets
Spread: Cavaliers vs Pistons -5.0 | Total: 228.0
The Cleveland Cavaliers are listed as 5-point road favorites with a total set at 228 as they visit the Detroit Pistons on Friday night — and there’s plenty on the line for both teams.
Detroit Pistons Outlook:
Detroit (41-32) has been one of the league’s biggest surprises this season, putting itself in position to clinch its first winning campaign since 2015-16. A victory on Friday would lock that in. The Pistons are coming off two convincing home wins despite being without star guard Cade Cunningham, who remains sidelined with a bruised calf.
Marcus Sasser has stepped up in Cunningham’s absence, scoring 27 points off the bench in a blowout over San Antonio and dropping 20 in the win against New Orleans. With the Pistons clicking offensively and playing confident, up-tempo basketball, they’ll look to keep the momentum going.
Detroit has dropped 12 straight games to Cleveland, including three tight battles this season. That losing streak adds extra motivation here — especially after nearly beating the Cavs back in February, when Darius Garland hit a buzzer-beater to steal the win.
If Sasser stays hot and Detroit continues to get balanced scoring across the rotation, they have a real shot at covering — and possibly snapping the Cavs’ dominance in the rivalry.
Cleveland Cavaliers Outlook:
Cleveland (59-14) enters this matchup with the best record in the Eastern Conference and has won three straight after knocking off the Spurs 124-116 on Thursday. Jarrett Allen dominated with 29 points and 15 boards, while Donovan Mitchell put up 25 points, 14 assists, and eight rebounds in a near triple-double effort.
But this is the Cavaliers’ third game in four nights, and after a long road trip, fatigue could be a real factor — especially with head coach Kenny Atkinson considering load management. Forward Evan Mobley sat out Thursday but is expected to return. However, others could rest, which adds uncertainty to Cleveland’s rotation and game plan.
Cleveland’s depth has been tested recently, and while they’ve held strong, going on the road against a motivated Pistons squad could be a trap — especially with how much energy the Cavs expended on Thursday night.
Betting Predictions:
Spread Lean: Detroit +5
The Pistons are playing well at home, catching the Cavs in a tough schedule spot, and have revenge on their mind. With Cunningham out, the bench has stepped up — especially Sasser — and this is a good opportunity to keep it close or even pull off the upset.
Total Lean: Over 228
Both teams are scoring at a high clip recently, and neither side figures to dial it down here. Detroit has scored 120+ in back-to-back games, while Cleveland continues to get efficient offense from Mitchell and Allen. Expect plenty of pace and points.
Final Score Prediction:
Cavaliers 118, Pistons 115
Close, high-scoring game — but Cleveland’s late-game experience may give them the edge. Still, Detroit covers the number.
Let me know if you want player prop picks added.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
