Pistons and Cavaliers set for decisive Game 5 as Eastern Conference semifinals reach midpoint
The 2026 NBA Playoffs second round shifts to Detroit, where the Pistons must avoid elimination against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Both teams advanced from first-round deficits, with Detroit overcoming a 3-1 hole against Orlando and Cleveland rallying from 0-2 down against Toronto.
The Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers are set to meet for Game 5 of their 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinal on Wednesday night, with the series level at 2-2. The matchup shifts to Detroit, placing the Pistons on the brink of elimination after Cleveland overcame an initial 2-0 deficit to win the previous two contests. The winner of this series will advance to the Eastern Conference Finals to face the victor of the New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers series.
Detroit has struggled with ball security throughout the series. The Pistons committed 25 turnovers in the first two games, compared to 36 in Games 3 and 4. Cade Cunningham leads the NBA in playoff turnovers with 5.7 per game. The Pistons' front office viewed an early playoff exit as a success prior to this series, having not made roster reinforcements at the trade deadline.
Cleveland has not advanced past the second round of the playoffs in recent history. The Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors after losing the first two games at home, with the home team winning every game in that series. This trend could bode poorly for Cleveland, which does not hold home-court advantage as the lower seed in this matchup.
Detroit held a 35-10 home record during the regular season, shooting 48.6% from the field. The Pistons advanced to this round after overcoming a 3-1 series deficit against the Orlando Magic, winning Games 5, 6, and 7. During those decisive games, Cunningham averaged 36.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.0 rebounds.
Broadcast coverage for the series will be split across NBC, Peacock, and Prime Video under the NBA’s expanded broadcast deal. Live streaming options include DIRECTV for NBC games, Peacock, Prime Video, and the ESPN app. DIRECTV offers a free trial for new users.
The Pistons have not appeared in the Eastern Conference Finals since 2008. In the Pistons' previous series, Orlando had them on the ropes before a poor shooting performance in the second half of Game 6 allowed Detroit to win the series. Cleveland and Detroit each won two games against each other during the 2025-26 regular season.
