The Cleveland Cavaliers (2-1) face the Detroit Pistons (2-1) Monday with tip-off from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, set for 7 p.m. ET (Peacock). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Cavaliers vs. Pistons odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2024-25 season series: Cavaliers won 3-1
The Cavaliers picked up a 118–113 win Sunday over the Milwaukee Bucks, although they failed to cover as 6.5-point home favorites as the Under (234) comfortably cashed. Cleveland’s inside-outside pairing set the tone, with G Donovan Mitchell finishing with 24 points, 4 assists and a steal. C Evan Mobley had a standout 2-way performance, adding 23 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks in the victory.
The Pistons earned a strong 119–113 win over the Boston Celtics Sunday, covering as 2.5-point home favorites as the Over (227) cashed. Detroit’s inside-out threat led the charge, with G Cade Cunningham posting 25 points, 8 assists and a block, and C Jalen Duren dominant in the paint, totaling 24 points, 18 rebounds and 2 blocks. The Pistons controlled the boards with a decisive 55–38 rebounding advantage.
Cavaliers at Pistons odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:52 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Cavaliers -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Pistons +115 (bet $100 to win $115)Against the spread (ATS): Cavaliers -2.5 (-110) | Pistons +2.5 (-110)Over/Under (O/U): 231.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Cavaliers at Pistons key injuries
Cavaliers
(Not yet submitted — below was for Sunday’s game)
G Darius Garland (toe) outF De’Andre Hunter (knee) questionableF Max Strus (foot) out
Pistons
(Not yet submitted — below was for Sunday’s game)
G Caris LeVert (knee) outG Marcus Sasser (hip) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Cavaliers at Pistons picks and predictionsPrediction
Pistons 115, Cavaliers 113
BET PISTONS (+115).
I really like the Pistons in this spot Monday.
Detroit just beat the Celtics thanks to a huge night from Cunningham and Duren, and now they get a Cleveland team that’s missing key guys. The Cavs had to grind out a win against the Bucks Sunday night — Mitchell and Mobley logged heavy minutes — and then have to travel and deal with a young Pistons squad that’s playing fast, confident and physical.
Without Garland and Strus, Cleveland’s rotation is stretched thin. They’re basically asking Mitchell to play hero ball every night. Meanwhile, Detroit’s depth has already shown up big — their bench flipped the game against Boston — and keeping that core together from last season looks like it’s paying off early.
The biggest edge for me? The paint. Duren controlled the glass against Boston, and I think he can give the Cavs problems inside all night. Add in home court and it feels like the Pistons should be the ones favored here — not the underdog.
So I’m taking the Pistons moneyline. Better spot, better matchup, and the momentum’s on Detroit’s side.
PASS.
I don’t feel the need to take the points when the Pistons are likely to win outright at home Monday night. I’ll take those plus odds.
PASS.
I’m not touching the total in this one. Both squads are on a back-to-back, so who knows what their legs will look like. Plus, the trends are all over the place — Detroit’s 1-2 to the Over so far, Cleveland’s 2-1. Nothing feels strong enough to back either side of the number, so I’m just passing on the total tonight.
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