The 2026 NBA playoffs have delivered drama, and the second round is just getting started. After surviving Game 7 thrillers, the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers are set to clash in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Tuesday night. These two teams know each other well, splitting their four regular-season meetings with each side winning once on their home floor. Now, with a trip to the conference finals on the line, intensity is at an all-time high.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET at Little Caesars Arena, where the Pistons enter as 3.5-point favorites according to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook. The over/under for total points is 215.5. Detroit will be led by rising star Cade Cunningham, while Cleveland counters with the explosive Donovan Mitchell. The Cavaliers could be without Kevin Huerter, who is listed as questionable with an adductor injury.

For bettors and basketball fans alike, this series opener offers plenty of intrigue. The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every NBA game 10,000 times, has been on fire this season, producing over $10,000 in profit for $100 bettors on its top-rated picks. The model is currently on a 26-9 run (74%) on NBA spread picks heading into the second round.

After crunching the numbers, the model is leaning Under on the total (215.5). That aligns with regular-season trends: the Under hit in three of the four meetings between these teams, and Detroit played to the Under in 54% of its games this season. With both defenses tightening up in the postseason, expect a grind-it-out battle in Game 1.

Whether you're watching from the stands or gearing up for game day at home, make sure you're ready in your favorite Pistons or Cavaliers gear. The playoffs are all about energy—and the right fit.