Pistons vs Cavs predictions in second round: Star power vs tenacity

The Pistons counter with All-NBA guard Cade Cunningham, Defensive Player of the Year third-place finisher Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren.

[ Mitch Albom: Pistons emerge into the sunlight, shedding dark vibes and labels ]

Here are our staff predictions for the Cavaliers vs. Pistons series in the 2026 Eastern Conference semifinals:

Omari Sankofa II

After a grueling seven-game series against Orlando, the Pistons now have to contend with Cleveland’s big frontcourt. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley will try to take away the paint, where Detroit typically thrives. It might take more heroics from Cade Cunningham, but defense and depth should carry the Pistons over the top and to their first conference finals since 2008. The pick: Pistons in 7.

Shawn Windsor

Before the playoffs started, I figured we’d get this matchup and that the Cavaliers would win in 6. The matchup is tough for the Pistons, as Cleveland can spread out and score from everywhere and protect the rim on defense. But after watching Detroit solve Orlando and, frankly, themselves, I’ll take the Pistons' chemistry and toughness to figure out a tough matchup once again. The pick: Pistons in 7.

Christian Romo

If this were a well-rested Pistons team, it'd be pretty easy to pick them over a Cavs team that barely squeaked by the overperforming Raptors. But the second round is new territory for these Pistons, outside of Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson, and they'll learn quickly how much fresh legs and top-level execution matters against teams as experienced as Cleveland. The pick: Cavs in 6.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Pistons vs Cavaliers predictions in NBA playoffs: Who wins and why