The Detroit Pistons aim to bounce back from a tough loss to the Indiana Pacers with another showdown against a division rival, the Cleveland Cavaliers. Both teams are looking to build momentum early in the season, but this matchup poses another challenge for the Pistons, as the Cavaliers are coming off a historic 136-point outburst in their opening-night win over the Toronto Raptors—Cleveland’s highest point total in a season opener. The Pistons showed flashes of defensive potential on Wednesday, holding the high-powered Pacers to just 49 points in the first half. However, Indiana surged in the second, scoring 66 points on 58% shooting to hand Detroit a stinging defeat.
This game also marks J.B. Bickerstaff’s return to face the Cavaliers—the team he coached for four seasons and led to consecutive playoff appearances. While Bickerstaff’s tenure helped restore Cleveland as a postseason contender, his philosophies eventually came under scrutiny. Tension with star guard Donovan Mitchell raised concerns about the team’s trajectory and played a role in Cleveland’s decision to move on.
Now, both teams seem comfortable with their directions. But the question remains—can the Pistons pull off the upset? Let’s dive in.
Pistons Look To Rebound Against Division Rival Cavaliers
Pistons’ Harris Vs. Cavaliers’ Mobley
One of the most intriguing battles in this game will be Tobias Harris vs. Evan Mobley. Both players bring unique skill sets to the power-forward position, and each team will look to exploit those strengths.
Mobley has quickly become one of the NBA’s premier defenders, excelling not only in the paint but also on the perimeter. His defensive versatility allows him to switch onto guards and disrupt passing lanes. Offensively, Mobley is efficient, shooting 54% for his career, though he isn’t a high-volume scorer. While he doesn’t rely heavily on the three-point shot, he will take it if given space.
Harris, meanwhile, is a polished offensive weapon with the ability to score at all three levels. His skill set presents unique challenges for defenders. If a smaller player guards him, Harris can overpower them in the post. Against bigger defenders, his quickness allows him to blow by and put pressure on the interior defense. For Harris to gain the upper hand against Mobley, he will need to lean into his physicality and try to draw fouls early. Mobley’s quick feet may neutralize Harris’s perimeter game, but the 215-pound forward is still developing his strength. If Harris can make him uncomfortable in the post, it could shift the matchup in Detroit’s favor.
Pistons vs. Cavaliers’ Second Unit
The Cavaliers boast one of the deepest bench units in the NBA, and their impact was on full display in their opener against the Raptors. Cleveland’s second unit poured in 64 of the team’s 136 points, with Caris LeVert leading the charge with 19 points.
For the Pistons, starting strong will be crucial. If Detroit stumbles early or keeps the game too close, Cleveland’s bench could quickly swing the momentum. The Cavaliers’ reserves shot an impressive 9-for-14 from beyond the arc in the opener, and with the added energy of their home crowd, they’ll be looking to land knockout blows early and often. However, Detroit’s second unit has the potential to disrupt Cleveland’s flow. Ron Holland will need to bring his strong perimeter defense, while Isaiah Stewart’s versatility on both ends provides a steady presence inside. Meanwhile, Malik Beasley’s shooting gives the Pistons a scoring punch off the bench. If the Pistons’ reserves can slow down Cleveland’s attack and grind the game to a halt, things could get interesting.
The Last Word
This matchup between the Pistons and Cavaliers will test both teams early in the season. For Detroit, the key will be setting the tone from the start and staying consistent throughout the game. Tobias Harris excelling against Evan Mobley could create opportunities, while Detroit’s bench must disrupt Cleveland’s rhythm and scoring impact. If Detroit can keep the game close and control the tempo, they’ll have a chance to steal a win on the road. But with Cleveland’s home opener energy and depth, the Pistons will need to play with precision and grit. This game serves as an early-season test, offering insight into whether Detroit is ready to take the next step.
