Pistons vs. Cavs schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for 2026 NBA Playoffs series originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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After Sunday’s double Game 7 slate, both the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers walked away to decide their second-round matchup.
Despite falling into the feared 3-1 series deficit against the Orlando Magic, Cade Cunningham and his Pistons powered through to win three straight games. From Games 5-7, Detroit’s star averaged 36.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.0 rebounds. If he can limit his turnovers, Detroit should be on a collision course for its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2008.
Cleveland started the series hot, taking the first two games at home. However, Toronto was able to equalize back at home during Games 3 and 4. The home team went on to win every game that series, which could bode badly for a team that doesn’t own home-court advantage for being the higher seed. The Cavaliers’ main route to victory involved limiting Cunningham’s involvement in the game. The Magic series showed that victory can come if he turns the ball over frequently. Let’s not forget that Orlando had the Pistons on the ropes in the first round, but a historically bad shooting performance during the second half of Game 6 saw them blow the series.
During the regular season, Detroit and Cleveland each won two games apiece. At home this season, the Pistons boasted a 35-10 record and shot 48.6% from the field.
The winner of this series will take on whoever comes out of the New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers series in this year’s Eastern Conference Finals.
Here’s what you need to know to watch Detroit vs. Cleveland, including broadcast information and start times.
Pistons vs. Cavs schedule
Series tied 2-2
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 5 | Game 1: Pistons 111, Cavs 101 | — | — |
| May 7 | Game 2: Pistons 107, Cavs 97 | — | — |
| May 9 | Game 3: Cavs 116, Pistons 109 | — | — |
| May 11 | Game 4: Cavs 112, Pistons 103 | — | — |
| May 13 | Game 5 at Detroit | 8 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN app, DIRECTV |
| May 15 | Game 6 at Cleveland | 7 p.m. | Prime Video |
| May 17 | Game 7 at Detroit* | TBD | TBD |
* If necessary
Where to watch Pistons vs. Cavs: TV channel, live stream
- TV channels: NBC, ESPN
- Live streams: DIRECTV | Peacock | Prime Video | ESPN app
The Pistons vs. Cavs series will air across multiple platforms thanks to the NBA’s expanded broadcast deal, which will see games split among the NBC networks and Peacock, and Prime Video.
Games on NBC can be streamed live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users.
Fans can also turn to the streaming homes for each broadcast partner — Prime Video or Peacock — for games on those platforms.
NBA Playoffs bracket 2026
Click here for the updated 2026 NBA Playoffs bracket from The Sporting News.
NBA Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2025
Here are the key dates to know for the NBA Playoffs and offseason.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Play-In Tournament | April 14-17 |
| First round begins | April 18 |
| Conference semifinals begin | May 4 |
| NBA Draft Lottery | May 10 |
| Eastern Conference finals begin | May 19* |
| Western Conference finals begin | May 20* |
| NBA Finals begin | June 3 |
| NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 19 |
| NBA Draft | June 23-24 |
* Can move up depending on earlier series