Cavaliers vs. Pistons Pick, Prediction, Odds
We’re getting another Game 7 in the 2025-26 NBA Playoffs, as the Detroit Pistons host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, May 17. This game will decide who gets to face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, and it’s fitting that this highly competitive series is set to come down to one final game. Who will end up taking it? Find out in our Cavaliers vs. Pistons betting preview. Also check out our VSiN NBA Playoffs Betting Hub for all of our NBA postseason content.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have!
How To Watch Cavaliers vs. Pistons Game 7
When: 8:10 pm ET on Sunday, May 17
Where: Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan
Channel: Prime Video
Cavaliers vs. Pistons Game 7 Odds
Odds from DraftKings Sportsbook as of 8:30 pm ET on Saturday, May 16
Moneyline: Pistons -180, Cavaliers +150
Spread: Pistons -4.5 (-112), Cavaliers +4.5 (-108)
Total: Over 206.5 (-105), Under 206.5 (-115)
Cavaliers vs. Pistons Game 7 Picks
This game is hard to call when looking at the side and total. In terms of the spread, the last two games were so wacky that it’s hard to feel good about either team. Cleveland was my pick before this series started. The Cavaliers are also one of my in-pocket plays to win the Eastern Conference. That said, I’m not looking to bail on them now, even if they’re extremely difficult to trust. Meanwhile, the Under always feels like the right move in a Game 7, when nerves take over on offense and physicality is ramped up on defense. However, that’s baked into the price, with the total sitting a full 10 points lower than it was in Game 1.
I genuinely do believe this is a game the Cavaliers should win. That goes back to my pre-series thoughts on Cleveland being the more reliable shot-making group, and we have seen that in three of the last four games. However, there’s no denying the Cavaliers could be in a fragile place after failing to close this series out in Cleveland. Can they regroup and show up against a tough-minded Pistons team? I’m not exactly sure. That’s why I’m sticking with player props here.
The first one I’m playing is Jalen Duren to go Over 1.5 assists at -125. For as bad as things have gone for Duren throughout the postseason, the big man is averaging 2.0 assists per game in this series. Well, two assists is all he’d need to go Over this total, and there’s really no reason he can’t go for even more. Duren is still going to get his opportunities to attack the Cavaliers bigs, and he’s generally good about making the right reads — especially when finding his cutters, like Ausar Thompson. Duren is also good at using his body to create space for his shooters in handoff situations, so he might pick up an assist or two carving out room for Cade Cunningham or Duncan Robinson.
Another player prop I like is for James Harden to go Over 29.5 points, rebounds, and assists (PRA). While backing Harden in a Game 7 might seem like a risky proposition, The Beard has been playing some good basketball over the last couple of games. In fact, over the last four games, Harden is averaging 35.3 PRA. And over the last three games, he’s averaging 37.7 PRA. Harden is just getting to his spots offensively, he’s doing his usual good work as a playmaker, and he’s also chipping in as a rebounder. As long as he doesn’t freeze up, I expect that to continue. A lot of people were quick to blame Harden after the Game 6 loss, resorting to the usual “choker” jabs. But Harden showed up in that game. Sure, his turnovers were a bit higher than you’d like to see, but he was making shots and staying aggressive. He should do the same in Game 7.
The last prop I’m playing is Evan Mobley to go Over 3.5 assists. This is merely a number grab, as you can get +120 for Mobley to have four assists. In Game 6, you had to play this at -150 if you wanted it. Of course, Mobley only finished with two assists in that game. But the big man did have six potential assists, and the Cavaliers are going to continue to give him his chances to make plays. So, I’m not sure an adjustment like this was necessary.
Bet: Duren Over 1.5 Assists (-125)
Bet: Harden Over 29.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-113)
Bet: Mobley Over 3.5 Assists (+120)
