Cavaliers vs Pistons Game 1 live score, updates, highlights from 2026 NBA playoffs second-round series

The Cavaliers and Pistons are familiar division foes. Cleveland holds the all time series lead 15-6 and are 7-3 over the last ten. However, the 2025-26 regular seasons series are split, 2-2. 

This matchup pins two teams against each other that are at very different places in their respective journeys. The Pistons are a young ascending team, while the Cavaliers are in must win now mode. James Harden was a new addition this season, but the core of Mitchell, Mobley and Allen have been together for a few years and have been unable to get out of the second round since 2018. 

The Pistons are the Eastern Conference overall No. 1 seed and had the 3rd best record in the NBA this season. In game 7 vs the Raptors, Jarrett Allen led the team with 22 points and 19 rebounds, while Mitchell and Harden only combined for 40 combined. In order to make this a competitive series, Cleveland will need to get more from their star backcourt. Whereas, the Pistons simply need Cade Cunningham to continue his production and get good defense work from Amen Thompson and Jalen Duren. 

NBA PLAYOFFS HQ: Live scores | Full schedule | Updated bracket

Cavaliers vs Pistons live updates, highlights from Game 1 of NBA playoffs

1st Quarter-7:01: Cade Cunningham makes 14-foot fade away jumper. 

1st Quarter-7:20: Donovan Mitchell makes a 8-foot floating jumper. 

1st Quarter-8:23: Duncan Robinson makes a 26-foot three-point shot. 

1st Quarter-9:18: Donovan Mitchell makes a 13-foot driving floater. 

1st Quarter-9:34: Cade Cunningham makes a 26-foot three-point shot.

A look back at the Pistons’ last four matchups against the Cavaliers pic.twitter.com/Qf2TAZkDXq

First five @Kia pic.twitter.com/qSEbXc6BzY

AND. WE. ARE. OFF. #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/qvmTaqrkSX

How to Watch Cleveland Cavaliers (0-0) vs Detroit Pistons (0-0) Game 1 NBA Playoffs

Tuesday, May 5 

Tip-off: 7:00 p.m. ET
TV: NBCSN/Peacock 

More NBA Playoffs news:

• Pistons major comeback victory over Magic forces Game 7 in NBA playoffs
• Raptors need OT to outlast Cavaliers, force Game 7 in Cleveland
• T-Wolves crush Nuggets in six, advance to face Spurs in NBA Playoffs
• Knicks advance past Hawks with largest Playoff win in franchise history
• 76ers take Game 5 over Celtics in NBA playoffs