2026 NBA Playoffs Best Bets (May 7): Cavaliers vs. Pistons Game 2 Player Props & Predictions

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons looked early on like it was going to be a blowout. But Cleveland made a game of it. It overcame an early 16-point first-quarter deficit and even tied the game up in the fourth quarter.

But in the end, the Pistons made the plays that mattered most down the stretch and secured a 111-101 victory. Should fans bet on them to do it again in Game 2? Or is putting money down on the Cavaliers (or total) the best bet for this contest?

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Let’s review the odds and see if we can figure out what the best bets are for the Cavs-Pistons game tonight.

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NBA Playoff Best Bets: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons (Odds & Prediction)

• Spread: Cleveland Cavaliers +3.5 (-110) | Detroit Pistons -3.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Cleveland Cavaliers +135 | Detroit Pistons -160
• Total: O/U 216 (-110/-110)

Odds via bet365

It takes more than a single game to win the Eastern Conference semifinals. But winning Game 1 was a good sign for the Pistons. Whoever takes Game 1 of a best-of-seven series has gone on to win that series 75% of the time (344-113). When that team is the home team, the percentage goes up to 85% (277-49).

But that does not mean that all hope is lost for the loser of Game 1. If they can bounce back and take Game 2 before heading back home, their chances of winning the series go up to 35% (30-56; stats via basketball-reference).

While losing Game 1 had to be disappointing for the Cavaliers, there is a bright silver lining to that defeat. After falling behind by 16 points in the first quarter, the outlook for the Cavs was bleak. According to ESPN Analytics, Cleveland had a 6% chance of winning the game.

Rather than pack it in and hand Game 1 to the Pistons, they made some adjustments. When they tied the game up at 93-93 at the 5:28 mark in the fourth quarter, their chances improved to 37.2%. When Dean Wade pulled down a defensive board on Detroit’s next possession, that number shot up to 46.2%

But then the Pistons went on a 12-3 and the rest is history.

Three of the four regular-season games between the Pistons and Cavs were pretty competitive, with the games decided by four points. Game 1 did not start out as a competitive contest. But it certainly became one by the end of the game.

What should this tell us?

My Game 2 Pick: Cavaliers First Half Total, Over 51.5 (-120, bet365)

It should tell us two things: (1) do not count the Cavaliers out, and (2) there is no room for error when playing a solid all-around team like the Pistons. With that in mind and considering how the regular season games played out, I’m not comfortable taking or laying the points in this game. There is no value in betting the Pistons moneyline. I can’t say with confidence and conviction that the Cavs will win.

But in typical Game Two fashion, I think we will see the Cavaliers come out firing on all cylinders, looking to make up for the Game One loss. In that game, Cleveland scored 49 points in the first half. But with the offensive weapons on that team, i.e., James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, a motivated Cavs offense will make an additional basket or two in the first half.

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NBA Playoffs Best Bets: Cavaliers vs. Pistons Game 2 Player Props

Odds via bet365

• Donovan Mitchell, Over 7.5 Attempted 3-Pointers (-125)

Mitchell attempted 10 3-pointers in Game 1 and has averaged 8.6 per game in the playoffs, going over 7.5 in four games vs. the Raptors (and taking seven in two). He averaged 8.8 attempts per game in the regular season but attempted four and 10 in the two games he played in vs. Detroit.

Whether the Cavaliers are playing catch-up or trying to stay out in front of the Pistons, they will need Mitchell to shoot early and often from 3-point range. He may not take 10+ shots, but he’ll take more than 7.5.

• Jalen Duren, Over 11.5 Rebounds (+102)

Despite him pulling down 12 and 15 boards in his last two games, my first thought was to pass. But then I noticed Duren went over this mark in three of four games against the Cavs during the regular season. Overall, he has underperformed in the playoffs. But it looks like he could be hitting his stride at just the right time, making the over a solid play

• Cade Cunningham, OVER 42.5 Pts +Reb + Ast (-110)

Cunningham had an off night from the floor in Game 1, shooting 6 for 19 and scoring 23 points, his lowest total of the postseason. With seven assists and three rebounds, he totaled 33 Points+Rebounds+Assists, well below the total for tonight. However, Cunningham went over it in five of seven first-round games and in 29 regular-season games.

He did not clear it in any regular-season games vs. Cleveland. But Cunningham has taken his game to another level in the playoffs. He’ll perform better in all three categories tonight and go over this total.