May 5, 2026
Why the Pistons at -3.5 is the play as the NBA Playoffs second round gets underway in Detroit
NBA Playoffs second round features Cavaliers vs. Pistons, with a betting pick on Detroit at -3.5 based on Cleveland's poor road playoff results.
TL;DR
- The NBA Playoffs' second round has begun, with the Cavaliers facing the Pistons.
- The Cavaliers' first-round performance was characterized by winning home games and losing road games.
- The Pistons rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the first round to force and win a Game 7.
- The Pistons' coach, who was fired by Cleveland previously, is seen as a potential X-factor.
- Key player matchups include Mitchell vs. Cunningham and Allen/Mobley vs. Duren.
- The Pistons are slight favorites in a series expected to be close, with regular-season games often decided by four or fewer points.
- The betting pick is Pistons -3.5, citing the Cavaliers' poor road performance in the playoffs.