The Detroit Pistons are heading into a second-round playoff clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and if you thought the first round was intense, buckle up. Our team of experts at The Detroit News—Coty M. Davis, John Niyo, and Bob Wojnowski—breaks down what promises to be a tightly contested series.

Coty M. Davis: Don't expect the same physical grind we saw against the Magic, but this series will be just as daunting. The Cavaliers boast one of the league's most talented starting fives, with a versatile frontcourt of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley that will test the Pistons nightly. And with James Harden and Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt, Detroit's defense must stay sharp—both guards are capable of dropping 30 to 40 points on any given night.

Cleveland also brings more postseason experience, which could prove critical in the close games we're likely to see. However, the Pistons have shown they can beat anyone when they stick to their defensive identity. They enter the second round with the league's top-rated defense (101.9 net rating). If they can maintain that intensity while clicking offensively, they have a real shot at reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2008. The Cavaliers' struggles against the Raptors and their inconsistent playoff history only boost Detroit's chances. Prediction: Pistons in 7

John Niyo: Both teams might arrive in the conference finals feeling relieved—and both got some injury help from their opponents along the way. But while the Pistons had to claw back from a 3-1 series deficit, the Cavs nearly threw their series away. That could give Detroit some momentum, along with home-court advantage. More importantly, the Pistons have fully embraced their identity, and that's a dangerous thing for any opponent.