Cavs vs. Pistons: Odds, preview, injury report, TV
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- After a challenging four-game road trip that saw them split victories and defeats, the Cavs are returning to the friendly confines of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse with renewed vigor. Fresh off a dominant performance against the Portland Trail Blazers, Cleveland is ready to extend their success at home when they face the Detroit Pistons on Friday night in their second game of the in-season tournament.
The Cavs’ recent road trip was a true test of their mettle. Their most recent 109-95 victory against the Blazers underscored the potential of a team that had previously fallen short of their expected performance level.
Returning home has brought smiles to the faces of the Cavs, who have been itching to play in front of their loyal fans and to be back in their own beds.
Standing in the way of the Cavs’ ambitions are the struggling Pistons, who are currently mired in a frustrating stretch. The Pistons’ last taste of victory came on October 28th, and they are teetering on the brink of their 10th loss of the season when they face Cleveland. Detroit recently fell to the Hawks 126-120 on Tuesday.
STATES: AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV. 21+ and present in participating staes. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.The Cavs will look to capitalize on Detroit’s struggles, especially with star point guard Darius Garland out with a neck strain. Cleveland will lean on Donovan Mitchell -- as they have all season -- and the surrounding cast to pick up the scoring load in Garland’s absence.
One of the primary objectives for the Cavaliers in this upcoming game will be to contain the dribble penetration of Cade Cunningham. Cleveland has encountered difficulties this season when dealing with top-tier guards like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and De’Aaron Fox, both of whom have exploited their speed and ability to finish at the rim to challenge the Cavs’ defense. In their recent victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen emerged as defensive anchors, tallying a combined six blocks. Cleveland will heavily rely on their presence in the paint to establish dominance, while players like Mitchell, Caris LeVert, and Max Strus will be tasked with disrupting Cunningham’s perimeter game.
Here’s what to know about the matchup:
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (5-6) vs. Detroit Pistons (2-10).
Series: First meeting this season.
Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
When: 7:30 p.m. EDT.
The point spread: Cavs minus-8.5; O/U 221.5.
TV: Bally Sports Ohio
Injury report
Cavs: Darius Garland (neck), QUESTIONABLE; Donovan Mitchell (hamstring), QUESTIONABLE; Isaac Okoro (knee), OUT; Ty Jerome (right ankle sprain), OUT.
Pistons: Marvin Bagley III (illness), QUESTIONABLE; Isaiah Livers (ankle), OUT; Jalen Duren (ankle), OUT; Monte Morris (quadriceps), OUT.
If you or a loved one has questions and needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the National Council on Program Gambling Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700 or visit 1800gambler.net
