The Cavaliers face a must-win Game 3 against the Pistons after losing the first two games of their playoff series. The game is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, at Rocket Arena.
Key points
Cavaliers trail 2-0 in the playoff series
Game 3 is a must-win for the Cavaliers
Game scheduled for May 9 at Rocket Arena
Pistons are the top seed in the series
Cade Cunningham is a key player for the Pistons
CavaliersPistonsCade CunninghamNBA playoffs
On Saturday, May 9, the Cavaliers will face as much of a must-win scenario as possible without playing in an actual elimination game.
Here are Game 3 predictions from Beacon Journal sports writers Ryan Lewis and Nate Ulrich:
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.
Q&A
What is the significance of Game 3 for the Cavaliers in the NBA playoffs?
Game 3 is crucial for the Cavaliers as they are down 2-0 in the series and need to win to stay competitive.
When is Game 3 of the Cavaliers vs Pistons playoff series?
Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, at 3 p.m.
Where will Game 3 of the Cavaliers vs Pistons take place?
Game 3 will take place at Rocket Arena.
Who are the key players to watch in Game 3 of the Cavaliers vs Pistons?
Cade Cunningham of the Pistons is a key player to watch, along with the Cavaliers' roster as they seek to turn the series around.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Lewis:Â The Cavaliers have been a different team depending on whether that nightâs game happens to be played at Rocket Arena or any other building in North America.
Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are both being caught out of position on defense. And Harden is struggling to hold onto the ball on offense. There are quite a few alarming signs for the Cavs in this series, and if their guard duo canât round into form very soon, they might be doomed.
Then again, they seem to wake up at home, and a few shots falling might finally help the Cavs avoid a double-digit deficit in the first half that then causes them to expend a ton of energy trying to crawl back into the game. Cavs 109, Pistons 105
May 7, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) celebrates a three-point basket in front of Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) in the second half during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
May 7, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) celebrates a three-point basket in front of Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) in the second half during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Cavs vs Pistons Game 3 predictions
Ulrich:Â Are you ready for the maddening Jekyll and Hyde routine the Cavs are fully capable of showcasing in Game 3?
In the 2026 playoffs, the Cavs are 0-5 on the road and 4-0 at home. And even though the Pistons rocked them in Detroit, it's hard to envision the Cavs being swept in this series.
Cavs role players have repeatedly stepped up in Cleveland this postseason. No one should be the least bit surprised if someone like Max Strus or Jaylon Tyson were to deliver with backs against the wall. Cavs 115, Pistons 106
