It’s a true test of mettle, with both teams coming off grueling seven-game series. Their regular-season matchups were just as intense, too, featuring a couple of tightly contested battles. 

Catch the game Wednesday, May 6th, at 7:00 AM, Manila time. 

AWAY: Cleveland Cavaliers (0-0)

Projected starting five: 

  • James Harden
  • Donovan Mitchell
  • Dean Wade
  • Evan Mobley
  • Jarrett Allen

Cleveland advanced past the first round, but not without raising some concerns. Their seven-game series against Toronto exposed stretches of inconsistency, making them look somewhat vulnerable heading into a matchup with a tougher, more physical opponent. With the season series tied 2-2, and three of the four games decided by four points or less, there’s little separating these teams on paper.

The Cavaliers will lean heavily on their star duo of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, two elite scorers capable of taking over games. Their shot creation and ability to draw defensive attention will be crucial in breaking down Detroit’s rugged defense. However, they’ll need more than just perimeter brilliance to win this series.

Evan Mobley’s impact looms large after a few pedestrian outings in Round 1, and Cleveland will need him to reassert himself defensively and on the glass. Meanwhile, Jarrett Allen enters with momentum after arguably the best performance of his career, one that handily came in a closeout game. If that confidence carries over, the Cavaliers could find the balance they need to compete at a higher level.

HOME: Detroit Pistons (0-0)

Projected starting five:

  • Cade Cunningham
  • Duncan Robinson
  • Ausar Thompson
  • Tobias Harris
  • Jalen Duren

Detroit may have taken the harder road emotionally, but it might serve them well here. The top-seeded Pistons were pushed to the brink by the eighth-seeded Magic, falling behind 1-3 before rallying to win three straight. That comeback has injected the team with confidence and resilience heading into the second round.

Cade Cunningham continues to solidify his rise as a franchise cornerstone. Already a fringe MVP candidate in the regular season, he elevated his game under pressure and proved he can deliver in high-stakes moments. His leadership and composure will be central to Detroit’s chances in this series.

Supporting pieces have stepped up when needed. Tobias Harris provided consistent scoring, especially as Jalen Duren struggled to replicate his regular-season form, scoring 20 or more in four straight games, including 30 in Game 7 vs. the Magic. Duncan Robinson, the team’s lone true floor spacer, remains an X-factor whose shooting could swing key stretches.

Detroit’s identity is built on defense and physicality, and they’ll look to impose that from the outset. With homecourt advantage and renewed belief, the Pistons will aim to set the tone early in Game 1.

PICKS

Spread: Pistons (-3)
Over/Under: Over (216)