The Cavaliers face the Pistons in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, hoping to overcome a 2-0 series deficit. The game will take place on Saturday, May 9, with updates available for streaming.
Key points
Cavaliers are trailing 2-0 in the series
Game 3 is on Saturday, May 9
Pistons won Game 2 by 10 points
Cavaliers briefly led in both Game 1 and Game 2
Streaming options are available for the game
CavaliersPistonsEastern Conference semifinals
Cavaliers live score updates vs Pistons, Game 3 channel, where to stream
CLEVELAND — After trailing for nearly all of the first two games in Detroit, the Cavaliers are hoping a return to their home floor can help them rally in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Pistons enter Game 3 on Saturday, May 9, with a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven second-round playoff series after a 107-97 win in Game 2.
Game 2 unfolded almost exactly like Game 1. The Pistons led for nearly the entire game other than a brief early Cavs lead. The Cavs rallied in the second half and briefly tied (Game 1) or went ahead (Game 2) before Detroit pulled away to win by 10.
Q&A
What is the date and time for Cavaliers vs Pistons Game 3?
Cavaliers vs Pistons Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday, May 9.
How can I watch the Cavaliers vs Pistons Game 3 live?
You can stream the Cavaliers vs Pistons Game 3 on the designated sports channel or streaming service.
What is the current series score between the Cavaliers and Pistons?
The Pistons currently lead the series 2-0 against the Cavaliers.
What happened in Game 2 between the Cavaliers and Pistons?
In Game 2, the Pistons defeated the Cavaliers 107-97, maintaining their lead throughout most of the game.
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Can the Cavs flip the script? Find out here with our live updates from Game 3 at Rocket Arena:
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) warms up with assistant coach Jarrett Jack ahead of Game 2 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) walks off the court after warmup ahead of Game 2 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Detroit Pistons fans cheer on during warm up ahead of Game 2 of second round of NBA playoffs between Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) warms up ahead of Game 2 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 2 photos
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) warms up with assistant coach Jarrett Jack ahead of Game 2 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
1 / 4
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 2 photos
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) warms up with assistant coach Jarrett Jack ahead of Game 2 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
2 / 4
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 2 photos
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) walks off the court after warmup ahead of Game 2 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 2 photos
Detroit Pistons fans cheer on during warm up ahead of Game 2 of second round of NBA playoffs between Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons, Game 2 photos
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) warms up ahead of Game 2 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Below is some pregame information.
What time do the Cavs play today?
The Cavs-Pistons game will tip off shortly after 3 p.m.
Where to watch Cavs game today: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons Game 3 TV and streaming info
Game 3 between the Cavs and Pistons will be televised nationally by NBC and Peacock.
What radio station is the Cavs game on?
The local radio broadcast can be heard via WTAM (1100-AM) or WMMS (100.7-FM).
The Pistons listed backup wing Kevin Huerter (left abductor strain) as doubtful for Game 3.
The Pistons ruled out Huerter for Game 2 shortly before tipoff after initially listing him as doubtful. Huerter was also inactive in Game 1 against the Cavs and for the final three games of the Pistons' 4-3 first-round series win over the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic.
Pistons starting lineup vs. Cavaliers in Game 3
The Pistons are expected to use the same starting lineup for Game 3 as the one they used during their two wins in Detroit.
No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons vs. No. 8 Orlando Magic; Pistons won series 4-3
No. 2 seed Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers; 76ers won series 4-3
No. 3 seed New York Knicks vs. No. 6 seed Atlanta Hawks; Knicks won series 4-2
No. 4 seed Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 5 seed Toronto Raptors; Cavs won series 4-3
Cleveland Cavaliers playoff history during their Donovan Mitchell era
This is the fourth consecutive season the Cavs have made the playoffs.
Here are the results from their previous three playoff appearances, all of which have occurred since the Cavs traded for All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell in 2022:
2024-25: Lost 4-1 in second round to Indiana Pacers after sweeping Miami Heat 4-0 in first round
2023-24: Lost 4-1 in second round to Boston Celtics after beating Orlando Magic 4-3 in first round
2022-23: Lost 4-1 in first round to New York Knicks
