On Saturday, May 9, the Cavaliers will face as much of a must-win scenario as possible without playing in an actual elimination game.
After losing Games 1 and 2 in Detroit, the fourth-seeded Cavs trail the top-seeded Pistons 2-0 in their best-of-seven second-round NBA playoff series. Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals is set for 3 p.m. at Rocket Arena.
Here are Game 3 predictions from Beacon Journal sports writers Ryan Lewis and Nate Ulrich:
Cavs vs Pistons predictions. Who wins Game 3?
Lewis: The Cavaliers have been a different team depending on whether that night’s game happens to be played at Rocket Arena or any other building in North America.
Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are both being caught out of position on defense. And Harden is struggling to hold onto the ball on offense. There are quite a few alarming signs for the Cavs in this series, and if their guard duo can’t round into form very soon, they might be doomed.
Then again, they seem to wake up at home, and a few shots falling might finally help the Cavs avoid a double-digit deficit in the first half that then causes them to expend a ton of energy trying to crawl back into the game. Cavs 109, Pistons 105
Cavs vs Pistons Game 3 predictions
Ulrich: Are you ready for the maddening Jekyll and Hyde routine the Cavs are fully capable of showcasing in Game 3?
In the 2026 playoffs, the Cavs are 0-5 on the road and 4-0 at home. And even though the Pistons rocked them in Detroit, it’s hard to envision the Cavs being swept in this series.
Cavs role players have repeatedly stepped up in Cleveland this postseason. No one should be the least bit surprised if someone like Max Strus or Jaylon Tyson were to deliver with backs against the wall. Cavs 115, Pistons 106
The Akron Beacon Journal sports department can be contacted via email at bjsports@thebeaconjournal.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavs vs Pistons predictions. Who wins Game 3 of NBA playoff series?
Reporting by Nate Ulrich and Ryan Lewis, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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