The Pistons claimed a 2-0 series lead over the Cavaliers with a 107-97 win in Game 2, and now the action moves to Cleveland for Game 3.
Detroit has rattled off five straight postseason victories after falling 3-1 down to Orlando in the last round, while the struggling Cavaliers have lost five of their last seven in these NBA Playoffs.
Pistons vs. Cavaliers Game 3 betting picks and predictions
Pistons +4.5 (-110)
The Cavs led 81-79 with 10 minutes left on the clock in Game 2, but their late-game execution was an issue as they fell to a second consecutive 10-point defeat in Detroit.
Cleveland made a strong start to the playoffs, winning its opening home games against Toronto. However, they were unable to pick up a road win, forcing the series to a Game 7 decider last weekend.
An inability to make adjustments hindered the Cavs in the first round, so it’s hard to see how they claw their way out of this 2-0 hole. Cleveland fell flat in the second round last season, losing in five to the Indiana Pacers, and it seems the step up from 5-seed Toronto to the Eastern Conference’s top team has been too much for them.
The Pistons won a vital Game 6 in Orlando in the previous round, and won 114-110 in their regular-season visit to Cleveland in January. They are capable of taking a 3-0 lead in this series, so take them with a 4.5 point buffer.
Tobias Harris 20+ points (+135)
Harris has firmly established himself as the second option for the Pistons, thanks to a brilliant scoring streak which helped them launch their first-round comeback.
Harris has scored at least 20 points in his last seven games, while he’s averaging 21.4 points per game in the playoffs this season.
Harris followed up his 20-point display in Game 1 with another 21 points in Game 2. It was incredibly encouraging that he hit the 20-point mark in the last game despite recording two free throw attempts and three three-point attempts, both joint-lows for Harris in this postseason campaign.
The Cavs really struggled to contain RJ Barrett in the last round, and Harris offers a similar threat in the paint. He looks good to continue his scoring streak with another 20-point game.
Duncan Robinson over 1.5 assists (-160)
Robinson has scored a combined 36 points across the first two games in the series, but his three-point volume dropped drastically in the regular season on the road.
However, the guard’s assist rate in away games was 2.1 per game, and he has made 22 assists across his nine postseason games this term.
Robinson has developed an impressive understanding with Ausar Thompson, and his excellent movement means he’ll continue to find good pockets of space against this Cleveland defense.
If he looks to pass rather than shoot, then he can clear 1.5 assists for the eighth time in this playoff campaign.
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Pistons vs. Cavaliers Game 3 odds
Pistons | +150 |
Cavaliers | -180 |
Spread | Cavliers -4.5 |
Total Points | O/U 212.0 |
Pistons vs. Cavaliers Game 3 player props
Player Points
Cade Cunningham (DET Pistons) | O/U 26.5 |
Donovan Mitchell (CLE Cavaliers) | O/U 25.5 |
James Harden (CLE Cavaliers) | O/U 19.5 |
Tobias Harris (DET Pistons) | O/U 17.5 |
Evan Mobley (CLE Cavaliers) | O/U 15.5 |
Jalen Duren (DET Pistons) | O/U 13.5 |
Pistons vs. Cavaliers Game 3 team news
Pistons
The Pistons have Kevin Huerter down as doubtful, and he’s the only name on their injury report.
Cavaliers
The Cavs’ injury report lists Sam Merrill as questionable for Game 3, but they have no other injury worries mentioned, despite Donovan Mitchell appearing to twist his ankle in Game 2.
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
