If the Cleveland Cavaliers were searching for a moment that could swing the Eastern Conference series against the Detroit Pistons, Monday night delivered a big step toward that dramatically.
The Cavaliers picked up a crucial 112-103 win in one of the most entertaining games of the series. The series now shifts back to Little Caesars Arena tied at 2-2. What once looked like a commanding Pistons lead has now turned into a best-of-three showdown, and history tells us just how crucial this night could be.
According to NBA analyst Dan Weiss, in the modern NBA (1984 to present), teams winning Game 5 of a tied series on home court have an 82% chance of winning the series. That stat leans heavily in Detroit’s favor as they prepare for Wednesday night’s clash. Cleveland, meanwhile, remains winless on the road this season. Regardless of record, the Cavs’ goal is to win one on the road. They believe they can do it, but they know it won’t be easy.
Players like Donovan Mitchell and James Harden have stepped up lately in the series. Mitchell scored 43 points in Game 5, with his second-half 39-point explosion tying an NBA record for most points in a half.
Harden scored a series-high 24 points along with 11 assists. He shot 5-14 from the field and was perfect from the free-throw line, going 9-9.
The Pistons stumbled throughout the game, with Caris LeVert leading the team in scoring off the bench with 24 points. However, all the starters fell short of expectations, with Cade Cunningham scoring 19 points, Tobias Harris adding 16 points, and the rest of the starting lineup combining for 16 points. They will need to improve in Game 5, which could decide the fate of the Pistons’ season.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons Injury Reports In Game 5
Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report
The Cavaliers didn’t report any fresh injuries ahead of Game 5. They are currently healthy and will be able to use their full rotation.
Detroit Pistons Injury Report
The Pistons have a few concerns as they have three players on the injury report. Duncan Robinson is listed as questionable with a back injury, while Caris LeVert is also listed as questionable with a heel injury. Kevin Huerter also remains questionable with an abductor strain.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons Starting Lineups and Depth Charts in Game 5
Cleveland Cavaliers Starting Lineup and Depth Chart
Kenny Atkinson is expected to stick with the same group, which will see James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen in the starting five.
| PG | James Harden | Dennis Schroder | Craig Porter Jr. |
| SG | Donovan Mitchell | Sam Merrill* | Keon Ellis |
| SF | Max Strus | Dean Wade | Tyrese Proctor |
| PF | Evan Mobley | Jaylon Tyson | Nae’Qwan Tomlin |
| C | Jarrett Allen | Thomas Bryant | Larry Nance Jr. |
Detroit Pistons Starting Lineup and Depth Chart
Barring any late setback, the Pistons are also expected to roll with the same lineup. They are expected to start Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren.
| PG | Cade Cunningham | Daniss Jenkins | Marcus Sasser |
| SG | Duncan Robinson* | Kevin Huerter* | Caris LeVert* |
| SF | Ausar Thompson | Javonte Green | |
| PF | Tobias Harris | Ronald Holland II | Isaac Jones |
| C | Jalen Duren | Isaiah Stewart | Paul Reed |
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
