The Detroit Pistons face a win-or-go-home scenario against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 6 of their second-round series after losing three straight games. The Pistons previously led Game 5 but fell to the Cavs in overtime, putting them in a 3-2 series deficit.
Key points
Pistons face Cavaliers in Game 6 of second-round series
Pistons lost three straight games, now down 3-2 in the series
Game 5 ended in overtime with a score of 117-113
Pistons need to win Game 6 to avoid elimination
Detroit PistonsCleveland Cavaliers
The season hangs in the balance as the Detroit Pistons head down to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers in Game 6 of their second-round series on Friday, May 15.
The top-seeded Pistons have lost three straight games, falling in a 3-2 hole, after dropping Game 5, 117-113, in overtime to Cleveland at home. The Pistons jumped out to a two-game advantage in the series, but have lost the last three by single digits, putting them in a win-or-go-home situation in the sixth matchup of the best-of-seven series.
The Pistons enjoyed a lead for most of Game 5 before the Cavs mounted a second-half comeback. The Pistons rebuilt a nine-point lead entering the final three minutes of regulation, seeming to get the train back on the tracks, but Cleveland closed the fourth quarter with a 9-0 run to seize momentum and force an extra five minutes.
The Cavs remained in the driver's seat to take Game 5 and put themselves one win away from the Eastern Conference finals.
The Pistons, led by Cade Cunningham, will have to mount a similar comeback as the one they pulled off against the in the first round to keep their 60-win season alive. A Detroit win in Game 6 would force a winner-take-all Game 7 in Detroit on Sunday.
Q&A
What is the current series status between the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers?
The Cavaliers lead the series 3-2 after winning three consecutive games against the Pistons.
What happened in Game 5 of the Pistons vs Cavaliers series?
The Pistons lost Game 5 in overtime, 117-113, after leading for most of the game.
When is Game 6 of the Pistons vs Cavaliers series scheduled?
Game 6 is scheduled for Friday, May 15.
What must the Pistons do to stay in the playoffs?
The Pistons must win Game 6 to avoid elimination from the playoffs.
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Omari Sankofa, Detroit Free Press: The Pistons have been resilient. A 3-1 series deficit wasn't enough to bury them in Round 1, and they looked like the superior team in racing out to a 2-0 lead over the Cavaliers. It feels like it's too soon to count this team out, even with momentum against them after three straight Cleveland wins. The pick: Pistons 107, Cavaliers 102.
Here's the projected starting lineups for Game 6 of Cavaliers vs. Pistons. Duncan Robinson, listed as questionable, will likely get the start over Daniss Jenkins if he is healthy and available. Robinson missed Game 5 with a back injury.
Game 6, Friday: Pistons at Cavaliers, 7 p.m. (Prime Video).
Game 7, Sunday: TBD (if necessary).
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