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Donovan Mitchell’s surreal 44-point display in Game 4 saw things reset back to square one. There are no bragging rights with the series tied at 2-2. The chance to be the top crew comes with Game 5. The Cavaliers and the Pistons will treat this game for what it could be: the potential moment this series was settled. Both teams are at least nine years removed from making a conference final.

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This is bigger than winning a playoff series. The outcome of this tie will make-or-break the future of these franchises. With the biggest game of the series set for tonight, let’s preview the possible injury concerns for the clash.

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Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers Game 5: injury report

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons, coming back home, could be deprived of some key rotation players. Sharpshooter Kevin Huerter remains questionable with a left abductor strain. But his status has gradually improved, suggesting there’s some positive headway in his recovery. Detroit would hope so since Duncan Robinson has been added to their injury report after Game 4. The starting forward, who is shooting 43.6% from beyond the arc in the playoffs, is listed as questionable with low back soreness. To make matters worse, the Pistons’ leading scorer from last game, Caris LeVert, also appears questionable as he continues to deal with a right heel contusion.

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Cleveland Cavaliers

Kenny Atkinson can have a peaceful sleep the night before Game 5. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ stock is on the rise after claiming back-to-back wins at home. Not only have Donovan Mitchell and James Harden looked reinvigorated, but the Cavs have zero injury concerns heading into the pivotal game on the road.

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Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers Game 5: Predicted starting lineup

Detroit Pistons Cleveland Cavaliers 
Cade CunninghamJames Harden
Duncan Robinson*Donovan Mitchell
Ausar ThompsonMax Strus
Tobias HarrisEvan Mobley
Jalen DurenJarrett Allen

Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers Game 5: Odds

Despite the possible toll injuries could have on the Pistons, they are seen as small favorites for Game 5. The moneyline is set at -166, while the Cavaliers are at +1140. Considering the home-road scenario, these odds are pretty close. There’s a pattern in this series that sees the Pistons’ status as favorites stay unaffected. Neither team has won a game on the road yet. But the Cavaliers have a great chance at breaking their curse and claiming a first win on the road in this postseason.

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Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers Game 5: Where to watch

Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Location: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Time: 8:00 P.M. E.T.
TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN app

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Anuj Talwalkar

4,665 Articles

Anuj Talwalkar is a senior NBA Newsbreak specialist at EssentiallySports, trusted for his real-time coverage and fast, accurate updates on league developments. With five NBA seasons and two Olympics coverages under his belt, Anuj stands out as the go-to reporter for the NBA Matchday Newsdesk. As part of the EssentiallySports Journalistic Excellence Program, he continuously refines his hard reporting with grounded storytelling shaped by fan culture and court-level insights. An economics graduate and lifelong OKC fan since the Supersonics era, Anuj combines analytical thinking and a genuine passion for basketball. He’s recognized for both his live news coverage and feature writing, with aspirations to someday interview Russell Westbrook. Anuj’s reporting is marked by its reliability, depth, and strong connection to the pulse of the NBA.

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