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In theory, this should be the competitive series in the Eastern Conference. By favoring the Detroit Pistons by just a bucket at home, oddsmakers have effectively said the Cleveland Cavaliers should have a legitimate chance at winning this series.
But my Cavaliers vs. Pistons predictions and these NBA picks firmly believe Cleveland has roster problems that should show up again in Game 2 on Thursday, May 7.
Cavaliers vs Pistons Game 2 predictionCavaliers vs Pistons best bet: Jarrett Allen Under 7.5 rebounds (-135)This same bet was priced at +100 in Game 1, but it still holds value as long as the number remains at 7.5.
Cleveland Cavaliers’ center Jarrett Allen might be borderline unplayable in this series. Detroit Pistons’ center Jalen Duren is too active on the offensive glass for the Cavaliers to play Allen as he struggles finding boards.
Duren snagged seven offensive rebounds in Game 1, directly part of why Allen played only 18 minutes.
Cleveland has plenty of work ahead of it in this series, but that work doubles when giving up offensive rebounds as often as Allen did.
COVERS INTEL: Allen’s struggle against Duren is a known problem for the Cavaliers. Allen was not in any foul trouble in their meeting on March 3, yet he played just 21 minutes while Duren snagged six offensive rebounds.If Jarrett Allen is going to play less, someone needs to play more. Evan Mobley cannot play two positions at once, though Cleveland would be better off if he could.
Dean Wade saw nearly 28 minutes of action in Game 1, nearly 10 minutes more than Allen did. Wade managed only five points and three rebounds, but his plus/minus was only -4 in those 28 minutes, a palatable thought in a game the Cavaliers lost by 10 points.
Wade might join Mobley, Donovan Mitchell, and James Harden by handling a workload in the mid-30s minutes. And that should lend many rebound opportunities.
Cavaliers vs Pistons SGP- Jarrett Allen Under 7.5 rebounds
- Jarrett Allen Under 10.5 points
- Dean Wade Over 3.5 rebounds
- Spread: Cavaliers +3 | Pistons -3
- Moneyline: Cavaliers +135 | Pistons -160
- Over/Under: Over 216 | Under 216
Four of the five matchups between these two this season, including Game 1, have gone Under their totals. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Pistons.
How to watch Cavaliers vs Pistons Game 2| Location | Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI |
| Date | Thursday, May 7, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Prime Video |
Not intended for use in MA.
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