Picks for 5/7/26
NBA
7:00 PM EST
Rotation # 567
Cavs +3.5 over Pistons (loss)
There has been no other team in the NBA that has frustrated its backers against the spread quite like the Cavaliers have. The Pistons have been the best team on their home court in the Eastern Conference, and after covering the 3.5 points the other night, you wonder why the oddsmakers have left the spread for tonight’s game at 3.5 points with no adjustments. I believe the reason is that, at any given moment, the Pistons can go on long, aggravating stretches of sad, offensive basketball. The Pistons have an outstanding defense, but they have also shown signs of breaking down in the playoffs, as Orlando exploited them many times in the last series. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley can knock down points around the paint area, and James Harden can get hot from the three-point line. The Pistons are going to get their paint points with Cade Cunningham, but they are not exactly sound with the basketball and tend to turn it over. The Cavs are not a great defensive team, so Dean Wade will have to step up and use his big body to contest Cunningham. Both teams split the regular season series and played competitively. I expect tonight will be no different. Look for Clevland to keep it close. Take the Cavs.