Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Game 3 Preview, Picks & Odds for Saturday, May 9, 2026

By Braxton Reynolds | May 08, 2026, 7:32pm

Game 3 between the Detroit Pistons (2-0) and Cleveland Cavaliers (0-2) is set for 3 p.m. Eastern on NBC. Sam Merrill missed the previous contest with a hamstring injury, and he’s questionable for Game 3. Pistons sharpshooter Kevin Huerter is also doubtful to play after missing Detroit’s previous five games with a thigh injury.

Pistons vs. Cavaliers Betting Analysis

The James Harden trade is getting bleaker and bleaker by the day. Through two games, he has averaged 16 points per game on 32.1% shooting from the field and logged more turnovers than assists. It’s not just the numbers, though. Harden looks physically outmatched by Detroit, which is a major red flag moving forward.

However, there were positive takeaways for the Cavaliers in Game 2. They cut down on their turnovers significantly and won the free throw attempt battle. Shooting luck was also against them, as Cleveland shot 21.9% from deep compared to 50% for a Pistons squad that typically struggles to be even average in this department. These are encouraging signs that the Cavaliers can get back into this series.

Cade Cunningham picked Cleveland’s defense apart and finished the contest with 25 points and 10 assists. Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson took advantage of Cunningham’s creation chops by knocking down shots efficiently, while Daniss Jenkins also had an impactful game off the bench. Overall, the Pistons were more dialed in and connected during their Game 2 win.

Ausar Thompson’s fouls are an area to monitor. He’s racked up nine fouls in 57 total minutes this series, which translates to 5.6 fouls per 36 minutes. Detroit needs him on the court to wreak havoc defensively, control the glass and move the basketball, so Thompson needs to be a bit more cautious.

The best bet for Game 3 is taking Thompson to grab at least seven rebounds. He has accomplished this feat in eight of his nine games this playoffs, and Thompson’s rebounding is key with Jalen Duren tangled up with Cleveland’s bigs.

Pistons vs. Cavaliers Best Bet, Pick & Prediction

Best Bet: Ausar Thompson O6.5 Rebounds (-110)
Score Prediction: Cavaliers 104, Pistons 102

Pistons vs. Cavaliers Game Odds

Pistons vs. Cavaliers Game Information

Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 3:10 p.m. ET
Network: NBC
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Venue: Rocket Arena – 233.5 ppg; 20-25 O/U
Series Score: Pistons 2-0

Pistons vs. Cavaliers Betting Resources

Pistons vs. Cavaliers Key Players

Pistons

Cade Cunningham – Last Game: 25 points, 3 rebounds, 10 assists
Jalen Duren – Last Game: 8 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist
Tobias Harris – Last Game: 21 points, 7 rebounds, 0 assists

Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell – Last Game: 31 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
James Harden – Last Game: 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
Evan Mobley – Last Game: 9 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists

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.