It’s game time in Cleveland as the Detroit Pistons are trying to take a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Cavaliers.
The 1-seed Pistons play the 4-seed Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals in the 2026 NBA playoffs on Saturday, May 9.
The game is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. ET at Rocket Arena in Cleveland and will be televised on NBC, with streaming available on Peacock.
Get Pistons playoff tickets for Game 3
The Pistons hold a 2-0 lead after beating the Cavs in Game 2, 107-97, with Saturday’s Game 3 now a virtual must-win for Cleveland.
No team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit.
If the Pistons win Saturday, it would be their first 3-0 lead in a playoff series since the 2007 Eastern Conference semifinals, when they beat the Chicago Bulls, 4-2.
After Saturday’s Game 3, the Pistons and Cavs will continue to play meet every other day until the series wraps up.
The squads will stay in Cleveland for Game 4 at Rocket Arena on Monday, May 11, at 8 p.m. on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
Here’s what you need to know about this must-win Game 3 for both the Cavaliers and Pistons, including live updates:
Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 3 live updates
This section will be updated when the game begins.
‘The Stones?’ Really?
Social media has been buzzing recently with an argument among Pistons fans about whether “The Stones” is a real nickname for the Pistons.
What do you think? Vote in our poll here!
Pistons uniforms in Game 3 vs Cavaliers
The Pistons, as they have for every other game so far this postseason, will be wearing their classic whites for Game 3 against the Cavaliers. Cleveland, meanwhile, will wear their blue “Classic Edition” uniforms with a red stripe down the side and “Cleveland” across the chest.
What time is Pistons Game 3 vs Cavaliers?
The game starts at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Pistons vs Cavaliers channel in Game 3
Saturday’s Game 3 between the Pistons and Cavaliers will be televised on NBC and available to stream on Peacock.
Watch the NBA playoffs on Peacock
Pistons tickets for Game 3 vs Cavaliers
Tickets for Game 3 of Cavaliers vs. Pistons on Saturday, May 9, at Rocket Arena in Cleveland are going on StubHub for as low as roughly $90, with no extra fees.
Pistons vs Cavaliers odds for Game 3
The Cavaliers are slight favorites over the Pistons for a pivotal Game 3 at Rocket Arena.
Updated odds provided by BetMGM as of Saturday afternoon.
Pistons injury report vs Cavs in Game 3
Updates from the official NBA injury report.
Pistons
Cavaliers
Cavaliers injury report vs Pistons in Game 3
Pistons vs Cavs starting lineups today
Here’s the projected starting lineups for Game 3 of Cavaliers vs. Pistons.
Pistons vs Cavaliers prediction in Game 3
Omari Sankofa, Detroit Free Press: The Pistons are a better team than the Cavaliers. It was true in the regular season despite the two teams splitting the season series 2-2. And it’s been true through the first two games of this series, both double-digit wins. A good game from Harden, or hot night from a Cleveland role player such as Max Strus or Jaylon Tyson, would energize the Cavaliers on their home floor. The Pistons should expect a firm punch, and survive due to Cunningham’s two-way stardom and their stifling defense. The pick: Pistons 108, Cavaliers 104.
Pistons vs Cavaliers schedule, scores in playoff series
Here are the Pistons vs. Cavs scores and schedule for the playoff series in the first round:
Who will Pistons-Cavaliers winner play in next round?
The winner of the series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons in the second round in the East will play either the New York Knicks or Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference finals. The Knicks are in command after taking a 2-0 lead with a sweep of the games at Madison Square Garden.
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Andrew Birkle is an assistant sports editor at the Free Press. Contact him via email at abirkle@freepress.com.
You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Pistons vs Cavaliers score updates, Game 3 channel, where to stream
Reporting by Andrew Birkle and Christian Romo, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
