The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons will duke it out for the pivotal 3-2 series lead. Will the Cavs win their third game in a row to get the series lead for the first time? Or, will the Pistons defend their home and move a win closer to the ECF?

Catch this game live on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 8:00 AM, Manila time.

Away: Cleveland Cavaliers (2-2)

Projected Starting Five:

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

The Cavs got exactly what they wanted from their home games in Game 2 and Game 3, as they successfully tied the series at 2-2 with a pair of wins. The challenge now for Cleveland is to win in enemy territory, which neither team has done so far in the series. 

That being said, the Cavs clearly have the momentum, and the Pistons, whether they admit it or not, must be feeling the pressure. No player from either side has a hotter hand heading into Game 5 than Donovan Mitchell, who had a historic second half and finished with 43 points on 13/26 shooting from the field in Game 4. 

James Harden has also picked things up after getting slandered online for his pathetic Game 2 performance. He has scored 43 points and dished out 18 assists with just five turnovers in the last two games.

Home: Detroit Pistons (2-2)

Projected Starting Five:

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

One thing about the Pistons is that they know how to deal with pressure in this postseason. They proved that by resurrecting and completing a 3-1 series comeback in the first round against the Orlando Magic. 

They were in control and looking good in the early goings of Game 4 before the wheels fell off amid Mitchell’s second-half explosion. Mitchell is not going to score 39 points every half, and that’s a comforting thought for Detroit. The Pistons also still have Cade Cunningham, who is putting up 23.5 points per game in the second round. 

However, the Pistons may be relying too much on him. He is shooting just 39.5% in the series, while Jalen Duren has been an overall disappointment. If there’s a time for Duren to show up, Thursday is not all that bad to do it to help the Pistons.  Meanwhile, Detroit is shooting the rock well from deep, with a 42.2 3 FG% in the series.

Picks

Spread: Cleveland Cavaliers (+4.0)

Over/Under: Under (212.5)