Pistons vs. Cavs schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for 2026 NBA Playoffs series

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After Sunday's double Game 7 slate, both the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers walked away to decide their second-round matchup.

Despite falling into the feared 3-1 series deficit against the Orlando Magic, Cade Cunningham and his Pistons powered through to win three straight games. From Games 5-7, Detroit's star averaged 36.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.0 rebounds. If he can limit his turnovers, Detroit should be on a collision course for its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2008.

Cleveland started the series hot, taking the first two games at home. However, Toronto was able to equalize back at home during Games 3 and 4. The home team went on to win every game that series, which could bode badly for a team that doesn't own home-court advantage for being the higher seed. The Cavaliers' main route to victory involved limiting Cunningham's involvement in the game. The Magic series showed that victory can come if he turns the ball over frequently. Let's not forget that Orlando had the Pistons on the ropes in the first round, but a historically bad shooting performance during the second half of Game 6 saw them blow the series.

During the regular season, Detroit and Cleveland each won two games apiece. At home this season, the Pistons boasted a 35-10 record and shot 48.6% from the field.

The winner of this series will take on whoever comes out of the New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers series in this year's Eastern Conference Finals.

Here's what you need to know to watch Detroit vs. Cleveland, including broadcast information and start times.

Pistons vs. Cavs schedule

Detroit leads series 1-0

DateGameTime (ET)Watch
May 5Game 1: Pistons 111, Cavs 101
May 7Game 2 at Detroit7 p.m.Prime Video
May 9Game 3 at Cleveland3 p.m.NBC, PeacockDIRECTV
May 11Game 4 at Cleveland8 p.m.NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV
May 13Game 5* at DetroitTBATBA
May 15Game 6* at ClevelandTBATBA
May 17Game 7* at DetroitTBATBA

* If necessary

Where to watch Pistons vs. Cavs: TV channel, live stream

The Pistons vs. Cavs series will air across multiple platforms thanks to the NBA's expanded broadcast deal, which will see games split among the NBC networks and Peacock, and Prime Video. 

Games on NBC can be streamed live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users. 

Fans can also turn to the streaming homes for each broadcast partner — Prime Video or Peacock — for games on those platforms.

NBA Playoffs bracket 2026

Click here for the updated 2026 NBA Playoffs bracket from The Sporting News.

NBA Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2025

Here are the key dates to know for the NBA Playoffs and offseason. 

EventDates
Play-In TournamentApril 14-17
First round beginsApril 18
Conference semifinals beginMay 4
NBA Draft LotteryMay 10
Eastern Conference finals beginMay 19*
Western Conference finals beginMay 20*
NBA Finals beginJune 3
NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary)June 19
NBA DraftJune 23-24

* Can move up depending on earlier series

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