Game Details:
Matchup: Cavaliers vs. Pistons
Date & Time: Friday, March 28, 2025 | 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Betting Line: Cavaliers -8.5 | Over/Under: 219.5

Key Storylines

Cavaliers Eyeing Playoff Positioning

With the regular season nearing its end, the Cavaliers are in a dogfight for playoff seeding in the Eastern Conference. Coming off a strong road win over the Bucks earlier this week, they’ll look to keep the momentum going against the Pistons. Cleveland has won four of its last five games and ranks top-5 in the league in defensive efficiency.

Pistons Playing Spoiler

It’s been another rebuilding year for the Pistons, who currently sit near the bottom of the East standings. Despite that, they’ve been competitive in stretches, especially at home. Detroit nearly upset the Bulls last week and will be eager to play spoiler against a Cleveland squad in playoff contention.

Injury Concerns

Detroit continues to be hit hard by injuries. Cade Cunningham is listed as questionable with a hamstring strain, while Jalen Duren remains out with a foot issue. For Cleveland, Evan Mobley (ankle) and Donovan Mitchell (groin) are game-time decisions. If both stars sit, the line could shift significantly toward the Pistons.

Betting Trends

Against the Spread (ATS):

Cavaliers: 35-30-3 ATS
Pistons: 29-36-2 ATS

Over/Under Trends:

The total has gone under in 7 of Cleveland’s last 10 games
The total has gone over in 5 of Detroit’s last 7 home games

Head-to-Head

The Cavaliers have won all three previous meetings against the Pistons this season, winning each by double digits. Their average margin of victory in those games is 14.3 points.

Player Prop to Watch

Darius Garland (Cavaliers) – Assists Total: 7.5
Garland has surpassed 8+ assists in four of his last five games. Against a weak Detroit perimeter defense, the over is appealing here if Cleveland’s core is intact.

Prediction & Best Bets

Spread: Cavaliers -8.5 → Even if Mitchell or Mobley sits, Cleveland’s depth and defensive advantage likely lead them to a comfortable win.
Total: Under 219.5 → With Cleveland’s defense and Detroit’s offensive inconsistencies, expect a slower-paced game.
Player Prop: Garland Over 7.5 assists → Efficient matchup against Detroit’s lackluster backcourt.

Final Score Prediction: Cavaliers 112, Pistons 98