NBA Expert Reveals 3 Reasons Why Pistons Are Toast, Cavaliers Will Win Game 6
TL;DR
The Detroit Pistons are on the verge of elimination after losing Game 5 to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are favored to win Game 6. An NBA expert outlines three reasons for the Pistons' struggles in the playoffs.
Key points
- Pistons lost Game 5 to Cavaliers
- Cavaliers favored to win Game 6
- Pistons overcame a 3-1 deficit in previous round
- Pistons blew a nine-point lead in Game 5
- Cavaliers lead the series
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Following their frustrating loss in Game 5, an NBA expert explained why the Detroit Pistons are toast, and the Cleveland Cavaliers will be heading to the Eastern Conference Finals after Friday night.
The Pistons did not want to be in this position again. In the quarterfinals of this yearâs playoffs, the No. 1 seed in the East found themselves down 3-1 in their series with the Orlando Magic. However, this mostly young team showed their heart by battling their way back and crushing Orlando in a do-or-die Game 7 last week.
They then opened their semis series against the Cavaliers with a pair of decisive victories. It looked like that team that was so impressive during the regular season was back and on a roll. However, over the last week, the wheels on the bus have fallen off, and Detroit now finds itself on the brink of elimination after blowing a nine-point lead in the final minutes of Game 5.
It was one of the worst losses the franchise has had in decades and might be looked back on with regret for many years ahead. Yet, there should be reason to believe the Pistons can circle the wagons again after such a crushing defeat and force a Game 7 on Sunday. However, on Thursday morning, The Athletic NBA expert Zach Harper explained why Detroit fans should be very concerned.
Cade Cunningham has been good, but not great versus Cleveland Cavaliers
Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Detroitâs loss on Wednesday wasnât just about a bad night or a bad few minutes. It was about issues that have been ongoing for a few weeks now. Cade Cunningham posted 39 points, nine assists, and hit six threes in Game 5. Numbers that should get a win. But Harper pointed out a big problem with the Pistonsâ top star right now.
â[Cunningham] had six more turnovers, bringing his total to 69 turnovers in 12 games,â Harper wrote. He also mentioned âCunningham fell asleepâ late in overtime and allowed James Harden to get his own rebound off a missed free throw. A mistake that just canât happen in such a monumental moment.
Then there is the continued disappearing act of Jalen Duren. A player who had a big breakout season in 2025-26 has been a massive disappointment in the playoffs. In 12 games, he is shooting 50% from the field, down from 65% during the season, and is scoring half as many points a night as he did in the regular season.
Yet, in Game 5, things hit a new low point as he only played a few minutes in the fourth quarter and was benched for all of overtime. Duren is why the Pistons had a great regular season, and he is also why they are likely to get eliminated in Game 6 on Friday night.
Detroit Pistons did not get the best version of Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5
Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Making things seem more ominous as the series returns to Cleveland is that the Cavaliers did not get a spectacular night from their top stars on Wednesday. While Harden had 30 points, 8 boards, and 6 assists, he shot 8-21 from the field and had six turnovers. Donovan Mitchell had 21 points on 18 shots.
If not for Evan Mobleyâs 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists, the Pistons would have won Game 5 going away.
Detroit could definitely win on Friday night, but there are more than enough signs that Cleveland will move to 7-0 at home in these playoffs and move on to the Conference Finals in Game 6.
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Q&A
Why are the Detroit Pistons considered toast in the playoffs?
The Pistons are deemed toast due to their recent poor performance, including a blown nine-point lead in Game 5 against the Cavaliers.
What are the key reasons the Cavaliers are expected to win Game 6?
The Cavaliers are expected to win Game 6 due to the Pistons' recent struggles and the Cavaliers' strong performance in the series.
What was the Pistons' performance in the previous playoff round?
In the previous round, the Pistons overcame a 3-1 deficit against the Orlando Magic, winning a do-or-die Game 7.
What is the current series standing between the Pistons and Cavaliers?
The Cavaliers currently lead the series against the Pistons, putting Detroit on the brink of elimination.
