A way too early preview for Cavs vs. Pistons: Things won’t get easier for Cavaliers

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 27: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons hugs Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game on October 27, 2025 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images The Cleveland Cavaliers did enough to get past a plucky Toronto Raptors team that put up a much better fight than we thought going into the series.

Now, they have their hands full against a 60-win Detroit Pistons team. The Pistons didn’t look like the juggernaut they were in the regular season in the first four games of their first-round series against the Orlando Magic. All of the concerns about their offense not being able to translate to the playoffs were validated.

That was, until things changed in the last three games. Whether or not you want to attribute the Pistons’ coming back from their 3-1 deficit to their grit and determination or if you want to chalk it up to the Magic folding is up to you. Both views are valid.

What we can confidently say is that there are ways that this Pistons team will really push the Cavs. Detroit had the second-best defense in the league throughout the regular season. That is mostly attributed to their ability to keep teams from getting to the basket.