Despite trailing early in the game and squandering their lead late, the Detroit Pistons emerged victorious in their first bout with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and are looking to go up 2-0 tonight.
While James Harden did pitch in 22 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, he finished the game with a whopping seven turnovers. Among players still in the playoffs, he is second on the list for most turnovers per game (Cade Cunningham: 5.63; Harden: 5.38).
Detroit narrowly won the rebound battle 45-41, and that was largely thanks to Jalen Duren. The Pistons’ big man gathered twelve boards and earned his second consecutive double-double. While Detroit certainly runs through Cunningham, the team does need Duren to step up as much as possible. They are undefeated when Duren totals 10 or more points with nine or more rebounds.
Outside of Mitchell, Harden, Evan Mobley, and Max Strus, Cleveland was relatively quiet. Jarrett Allen was virtually nonexistent in Game 1 due to early foul trouble, and he finished the game with two points, three rebounds, an assist, and a block. It was a really inconvenient game for Allen to score his lowest point total of the season, but that result is not typical. In the 2026 Playoffs, Allen is averaging 10.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks across eight games.
Here’s what you need to know about Thursday’s matchup between Detroit and Cleveland, including broadcast information and start time.
What channel is Pistons vs. Cavs on today?
Pistons vs. Cavs Game 2 will not air on traditional television but will stream live on Prime Video.
Watch select 2026 NBA Playoffs games exclusively on Prime Video, which is included in the 30-day free trial for new Amazon Prime customers.
Pistons vs. Cavs start time
- Date: Thursday, May 7
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs series between Detroit and Cleveland is set to tip off at 7 p.m. ET from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Mich.
Pistons vs. Cavs series schedule
Detroit leads series 1-0
| May 5 | Game 1: Pistons 111, Cavs 101 | — | — |
| May 7 | Game 2 at Detroit | 7 p.m. | Prime Video |
| May 9 | Game 3 at Cleveland | 3 p.m. | NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV |
| May 11 | Game 4 at Cleveland | 8 p.m. | NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV |
| May 13 | Game 5* at Detroit | TBA | TBA |
| May 15 | Game 6* at Cleveland | TBA | TBA |
| May 17 | Game 7* at Detroit | TBA | TBA |
* If necessary
NBA Playoffs bracket 2026
Click here for the updated 2026 NBA Playoffs bracket from The Jugo Mobile.
NBA Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2026
Here are the key dates to know for the NBA Playoffs and offseason.
| Play-In Tournament | April 14-17 |
| First round begins | April 18 |
| Conference semifinals begin | May 4* |
| NBA Draft Lottery | May 10 |
| Eastern Conference finals begin | May 19* |
| Western Conference finals begin | May 20* |
| NBA Finals begin | June 3 |
| NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 19 |
| NBA Draft | June 23-24 |
* Can move up depending on earlier series
