After a hard-fought battle in Game 5, the Cleveland Cavaliers are one win away from punching their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Cavaliers have reached the Eastern Conference Finals on eight separate occasions, with five of those runs resulting in trips to the NBA Finals.
Cleveland’s play over the last three games has trended in the right direction. Their offensive execution and zone coverage have tightened, transition movement has been cleaner, and the chemistry between James Harden and Donovan Mitchell is starting to click in meaningful ways.
After struggling with turnovers in Games 1 and 2, Harden has provided Cleveland with the stellar showing that is so crucial in the series. The 36-year-old led the team in scoring with 30 points, eight rebounds and six assists in Game 5. He is averaging 20.8 points this postseason. The challenge now lies in sustaining that rhythm against a team that excels at forcing mistakes and capitalizing on them quickly.
Meanwhile, the Pistons will try to force a winner-take-all Game 7 in Detroit on Saturday. The Pistons had chances to take control of the series in five games, but instead suffered a crushing 117-113 overtime loss at home in Game 5.
It was another frustrating outing for Detroit after giving up a 16-point lead. Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson both endured disappointing performances, combining for just 15 points. The failure to close out games and the struggles of key players have been major talking points throughout the series and will need to be addressed heading into Game 6.
The Cavaliers are 9-11 in potential series-clinching games during best-of-seven series and are 4-4 on the road in those matchups. Historically, teams that take a 3-2 series lead go on to win the series most of the time.
Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Reports In Game 6
Detroit Pistons Injury Report
Duncan Robinson, who missed Game 5 with a back injury, is listed as questionable for the crucial Game 6.
Caris LeVert is also questionable with a heel injury, while Kevin Huerter, who made his return after a seven-game absence due to an abductor issue, is also listed as questionable.
Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report
As for the hosts, they have a full clean bill of health. It means Kenny Atkinson can use his full lineup to try to close out the series and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, where the New York Knicks are currently waiting for them.
Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers Starting Lineups and Depth Charts in Game 6
Detroit Pistons Starting Lineup and Depth Chart
Duncan Robinson will likely slot back into the lineup. He is expected to suit up alongside Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren.
If Robinson sits out again, Daniss Jenkins is expected to replace him.
| PG | Cade Cunningham | Kevin Huerter* | Marcus Sasser |
| SG | Duncan Robinson* | Daniss Jenkins | Caris LeVert* |
| SF | Ausar Thompson | Javonte Green | |
| PF | Tobias Harris | Ronald Holland II | Isaac Jones |
| C | Jalen Duren | Isaiah Stewart | Paul Reed |
Cleveland Cavaliers Starting Lineup and Depth Chart
The Cavaliers are expected to roll out their usual starting lineup of James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
| PG | James Harden | Dennis Schroder | Craig Porter Jr. |
| SG | Donovan Mitchell | Sam Merrill | Keon Ellis |
| SF | Dean Wade | Max Strus | Tyrese Proctor |
| PF | Evan Mobley | Jaylon Tyson | Nae’Qwan Tomlin |
| C | Jarrett Allen | Thomas Bryant | Larry Nance Jr. |
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