- This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Cleveland (37-23) at Detroit (43-14)
- When: Feb 27 2026, 7:00 PM
- Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI, USA
- TV: ESPN
Cleveland vs Detroit Preview & Prediction
Spread: Detroit -6.0
Moneyline: Detroit (-260)
Total: 227.5
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Breakdown
Ah yes, the Cleveland Cavaliers. Fourth place in the East, but somehow the betting market darling to represent the conference in the NBA Finals. That is what happens when you trade for James Harden at the deadline. Suddenly everyone forgets about defensive rotations and starts dreaming about confetti.
Harden, of course, comes with a small detail. A nondisplaced fracture in his right thumb. He already missed the 118 to 116 loss against Milwaukee and his status is shakier than a fourth quarter live bet. If he sits again, Cleveland leans heavier on Dennis Schroder, who dropped 26 points and five assists against the Bucks. Jarrett Allen also did his part with 27 points, though his last second tying bucket got erased like a bad parlay.
Donovan Mitchell remains sidelined with a groin strain, and Evan Mobley was out for injury management. That is a lot of firepower missing for a team catching six points on the road. Cleveland has historically owned Detroit, winning 12 straight at one point before the Pistons finally snapped it last March. They have split the first two meetings this season.
At plus 6, the Cavaliers are in prime backdoor cover territory. Even shorthanded, this team competes. They are too well coached and too deep to roll over.
Detroit Pistons Betting Breakdown
Detroit sits atop the Eastern Conference and enters as a 6 point favorite with the total parked at 227.5. The Pistons have won six of their last seven, including a 124 to 116 win over Oklahoma City. It was not always pretty, but style points do not cash tickets.
Cade Cunningham poured in 29 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, while dishing 13 assists. Yes, he also had eight turnovers, because nothing says entertainment like chaos with your point guard. Jalen Duren bullied his way to 29 points and 15 rebounds, continuing his All Star level campaign.
Detroit can score. That is not the issue. The issue is focus. They are capable of building a double digit lead and then letting an opponent creep back into it. Against a wounded but dangerous Cleveland squad, that matters when laying six.
Prediction and LVSB Official Pick
The total at 227.5 suggests fireworks. Both teams can push pace, especially if Cleveland has to manufacture offense without Mitchell.
Here is the play. Detroit is the better team at home and should find a way to win behind Cunningham and Duren. But six points feels generous with Cleveland’s resilience and depth.
Detroit wins. Cleveland covers the 6. Go ahead and grab the points before the market catches up.
Final Score: Pistons 114, Cavaliers 110
Lean: Cleveland +6.0
Total: PICK_HERE
- NBA Basketball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
