NBA Playoff Predictions May 17: Can the Cavs cover on the road in Game 7?

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Saturday has 1 game on the NBA slate as the third full week of May 2026 begins. It's a Game 7 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in the final game of the second round of the NBA Playoffs.

Can the Pistons cover the 4.5-point spread as home favorites and close out the Cavaliers? Will both teams combine to score enough to go over the total of 207 points?

I'll make picks for the spread and total below. Read on for our NBA Playoff Predictions May 17 article.

CAVALIERS VS PISTONS DATE, TIME & HOW TO WATCH

WhereLITTLE CAESARS ARENA, DETROIT, MI
WhenSUNDAY, MAY 17, 2026, 8 PM ET
TVPRIME VIDEO

CAVALIERS VS PISTONS ODDS

SpreadMoneylineTotal
CAVALIERS4.5 (-110)+160U 207.0 (-105)
PISTONS-4.5 (-110)-185O 207.0 (-115)

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CAVALIERS VS PISTONS WHO IS THE PUBLIC BETTING?

CAVALIERS37%63%PISTONS

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Cavaliers vs. Pistons Game 7 Spread Prediction

For the final game of the second round of the NBA Playoffs, laying 4.5 points with the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night is the clear play against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Detroit is remarkably resilient, going a flawless 4-0 straight up and 3-1 ATS when facing elimination in these playoffs. The momentum is firmly on their side, backed by a solid 35-31 ATS record following a win and a 5-3 ATS mark over their last 8 games overall.

Furthermore, the Pistons are comfortable defending their home court (25-22 ATS), and their 36-29 ATS record in conference games highlights their ability to handle familiar foes. Expect the Pistons to easily cover the number, win the series, and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Pick: Detroit Pistons -4.5

Cavaliers vs. Pistons Game 7 Total Prediction

There's value in taking the over on the total of 207 for Sunday night's clash between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons, as both offenses should feast against fatigued defenses.

Historically, these teams trend toward high-scoring affairs, with the over hitting in 3 of their last 4 meetings. That high-stakes offensive urgency should be present in this closeout game like it was in the first round, where both clubs sailed over the total in their respective Game 7 matchups.

Cleveland has consistently driven totals upward this postseason, as the over is 8-5 in their playoff games this season. The over is also 36-30 in the Cavs' games when they're playing an opponent on equal rest. And finally, the over is 33-32 in Cleveland's conference games this year. All of those trends point towards Sunday's contest becoming a high-scoring affair.

Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons Over 207

Today's NBA Playoff Predictions

  1. Detroit Pistons -4.5
  2. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons Over 207
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