Updated Feb. 27, 2026, 7:08 p.m. ET
The Detroit Pistons‘ third consecutive visit from an NBA title contender might be a little easier.
The Pistons host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena on Friday, Feb. 27 (7 p.m. ET, ESPN/FanDuel Sports Network Detroit). The game will also stream nationally on the ESPN app and Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.
Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, a perennial All-Star, has been ruled out with a right groin strain. Guard James Harden (right thumb fracture), who was acquired from the LA Clippers at the trade deadline, also has been ruled out.
Watch Pistons-Cavs live on ESPN
Cleveland is also without Max Strus (left foot Jones fracture) and could be without Dean Wade (doubtful, right foot sprain) and Keon Ellis (questionable, left index finger fracture).
Here’s how and what to watch for in tonight’s Pistons vs. Cavaliers game, including the TV channel, streaming link, the lineups, injury report and betting odds.
Pistons vs Cavaliers game time
- Matchup: Pistons (43-14) vs. Cavaliers (37-23).
- Date: Friday, Feb. 27.
- Time: 7 p.m. ET.
- Location: Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
- Box score.
Pistons vs Cavaliers channel
Watch Pistons-Cavaliers live on Fubo (free trial)
Cavaliers injury report, Pistons injury report
Here is the Pistons-Cavaliers injury report for today’s game regarding players on the 15-man roster. The official NBA injury report updates every 15 minutes.
- Pistons injury report: SUSPENDED − Isaiah Stewart; OUT − Chaz Lanier (G League assignment), Bobi Klintman (G League assignment).
- Cavaliers injury report: OUT − Donovan Mitchell (right groin strain), Max Strus (left foot Jones fracture); DOUBTFUL − Dean Wade (right foot sprain), – James Harden (right thumb fracture), Keon Ellis (left index finger fracture)
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Pistons vs Cavaliers starting lineups today
Here’s the projected Pistons-Cavaliers starting lineups.
- Pistons: Cade Cunningham (PG), Duncan Robinson (G/F), Ausar Thompson (F), Tobias Harris (PF), Jalen Duren (C).
- Cavaliers: James Harden (PG), Jaylon Tyson (SG), Sam Merrill (SF), Evan Mobley (PF), Jarrett Allen (C).
Off the bench for the Pistons: Daniss Jenkins (PG), Caris LeVert (G/F), Javonte Green (G/F), Ron Holland II (F), Paul Reed (C).
Off the bench for the Cavaliers: Dennis Schröder (PG), Craig Porter Jr. (PG), Keon Ellis (SG), Nae’Qwan Tomlin (F), Thomas Bryant (C)
Pistons vs Cavaliers odds
Detroit is a favorite against Cleveland, which is missing All-Star Donovan Mitchell for a second straight game:
- Spread: Pistons by 5½.
- Total: 227½.
- Moneyline: Pistons (-235), Cavaliers (+195).
Odds provided by BetMGM as of Friday afternoon.
Pistons schedule, upcoming games
Full Pistons 82-game schedule for the 2025-26 regular season.
- Friday: vs. Cavaliers, 7 p.m., ESPN, FSND.
- Sunday: at Magic, 6 p.m., FSND.
- March 3: at Cavaliers, 7 p.m. (Isaiah Stewart eligible), FSND.
- March 5: at Spurs, 8 p.m., FSND.
- March 7: vs. Nets, 6 p.m., FSND
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