The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to pick up their second win this week against a team in the top half of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Cleveland has split its previous two games against the conference-leading Detroit Pistons, but its current team looks a lot different from the one that faced them in October and January. We’ll see how this version stacks up against one of the most consistent teams in the league.
The Pistons have been the best team in the conference by every statistical measure. They have the best record, best defense, and have been playing at a high level all season. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has gotten the most out of this group. Whether or not that translates to the playoffs remains to be seen.
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Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (37-23) at Detroit Pistons (43-14)
Where: Little Caesars Arena – Detroit, MI
When: Fri., Feb. 27 at 7 PM
TV: ESPN, FanDuel Sports Network – Ohio, FanDuel Sports Network App
Point spread: Pistons -7
Cavs injury report: Donovan Mitchell – OUT (groin), James Harden – QUESTIONABLE (thumb), Dennis Schroder – QUESTIONABLE (ankle), Dean Wade – QUESTIONABLE (ankle), Keon Ellis QUESTIONABLE (left index finger fracture), Max Strus – OUT (foot), Tristan Enaruma – OUT (G League), Riley Minix – OUT (G League)
Pistons injury report: Isaiah Stewart – OUT (suspension), Bobbi Klintman – OUT (G League), Chaz Lanier – OUT (G League), Wendell Moore Jr. – OUT (G League)
Cavs expected starting lineup: James Harden, Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Pistons expected starting lineup: Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Tobias Harris, Ausar Thompson, Jalen Duren
Previous matchup: Missed defensive rebound cost the Cavs in their Jan. 4 loss to the Pistons
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