Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons Game 2 Preview, Picks & Odds for Thursday, May 7, 2026

By Braxton Reynolds | May 07, 2026, 4:55pm

Game 2 between the Cleveland Cavaliers (0-1) and Detroit Pistons (1-0) is set for 7 p.m. Eastern on Amazon Prime. Sam Merrill exited the opening contest early with a hamstring injury and is questionable to play Game 2. He’s one of Cleveland’s best sharpshooters, so his absence would be notable.

Cavaliers vs. Pistons Betting Analysis

Cleveland lost Game 1 on the margins. It struggled to stay disciplined against Detroit’s physical roster and therefore lost the free throw attempt battle 35-16. The Cavs also committed eight more turnovers and were outscored 31-16 in points off turnovers. In other words, Detroit generated 27 more points than Cleveland from turnovers and made free throws in a game that was ultimately decided by 10 points. It’s somewhat encouraging because the Cavs can theoretically cut down on these self-inflicted wounds – one side was not outmatched like in the Lakers Thunder series.

Max Strus scored 19 points off the bench with four made triples. Cleveland needs to feature him above other role players in this series because his outside shooting is crucial against a Pistons defense that protects the rim at a high level. Strus’ supplemental rebounding and passing also help glue the team together, and he has a bigger frame than Keon Ellis.

Duncan Robinson also contributed 19 points with five made triples. He provides balance to a Pistons offense that mainly strives to bulldoze its way to the basket. Even if he’s not making shots, his gravity helps his teammates. Ausar Thompson was also everywhere on the court. His defense against Cleveland’s backcourt is arguably the biggest swing factor of this series.

The best bet for Game 2 is taking the Cavs to win the contest at plus money. Jarrett Allen getting into foul trouble was a big blow to their Game 1 chances, and the Cavs shot themselves in the foot many times throughout the game. The teams are fairly matched, so it should be a back-and-forth series.

Cavaliers vs. Pistons Best Bet, Pick & Prediction

Best Bet: Cavaliers ML
Score Prediction: Cavaliers 104, Pistons 102

Cavaliers vs. Pistons Game Odds

Cavaliers vs. Pistons Game Information

Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
Network: APVO
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Venue: Little Caesars Arena – 224.7 ppg; 22-23 O/U
Series Score: Pistons 1-0

Cavaliers vs. Pistons Betting Resources

Cavaliers vs. Pistons Key Players

Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell – Last Game: 23 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
James Harden – Last Game: 22 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists
Evan Mobley – Last Game: 14 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists

Pistons

Cade Cunningham – Last Game: 23 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists
Jalen Duren – Last Game: 11 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists
Tobias Harris – Last Game: 20 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist

Braxton Reynolds

Braxton has been covering the NBA for Lineups since the 2022 season. He's worked with multiple collegiate coaching staffs regarding analytics and scouting, which has allowed him to understand the game on a deeper level. Braxton also currently writes about the Oklahoma City Thunder for Thunder Roundtable.