Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons Prediction, Odds and NBA Playoffs Game 5 Picks for Today, 05/13/26

Cavaliers vs Pistons parlay pick: Cavs ML (+146)

All 4 games in this series so far have been won by the home team, but I’d argue the momentum is on the Cavaliers side here even though they are yet to win a road game this postseason run. Donovan Mitchell took matters into his own hands, delivering a performance to remember in Game 4 with 43 points (39 of them coming in the 2nd half). As a team, the Cavs were just way more aggressive attacking the rim, resulting in 34 free-throw attempts compared to just 12 by the Pistons. Cleveland’s defense also forced 20 turnovers in the win, they might have just figured out this Pistons team.

Experience is another factor we should consider here – the Cavs have a lot more of it, especially James Harden who has elevated his level of play over the past two games. The Beard dished out 11 assists in Game 4, hitting some timely shots from downtown as well. Something tells me the Cavs might just steal one on the road here.

Cavaliers vs Pistons SGP pick: Donovan Mitchell to score 30+ points (+150)

Mitchell had a performance to remember on Monday night, destroying the Pistons with 43 points. After scoring just 4 points in the first half and his team being down, Mitchell took over and scored 39 points over the remaining 24 minutes of play, which tied an NBA record for most points scored in a half of a postseason game, held by Eric “Sleepy” Floyd dating back to 1987.

Going into Detroit tied at 2-2 instead of being down 3-1 is a massive difference, as the experienced shooting guard once again saved the day for Cleveland. Now it’s up to him to follow it up with another signature performance, only this time on the road in the Motor City. We are getting pretty solid odds on another 30+ point game, for a bet that’s cashed 3 times in 4 games this series. Mitchell is averaging 28.9 ppg in his last 10 visits to Little Caesars Arena, and he’s gotten to at least 30 points in 5 of his last 7 games there. Only once in his last 7 games overall against Detroit has he failed to score 30 points.

Cavaliers vs Pistons SGP pick: Duncan Robinson 2+ made threes (-410)

To cap off our Cavs vs Pistons SGP, I have Duncan Robinson knocking down a pair of threes. That shouldn’t be too big of an ask from a player who has shot the lights out this postseason run. The former Heat sharpshooter is averaging 43.6% of makes from distance in 11 games played so far, and only twice during those 11 games he has failed to connect on 2 threes.

Things have really opened up for him after a somewhat disappointing Round 1, as his efficiency has gone up from 36.5% to 57.7% against the Cavaliers. It’s quite obvious that the Cavs don’t have anyone to chase him around the perimeter, so I expect a bounce-back performance at home in Game 5. The over on this bet has cashed a staggering 96% in Pistons home games this season (43/45), while against the Cavaliers, that has happened 7 times in 8 meetings (88% hit rate). I’m backing Robinson with confidence here.