Detroit Pistons Look to Keep Building Momentum in Preseason Clash with Cavaliers
The NBA preseason rolls on tonight as the Detroit Pistons hit the road for Game 3, taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Cleveland Arena. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. EST, and fans can catch all the action on FanDuel Sports Network – Detroit.
How to Watch
Date: 10/14/2025
Time: 7:00 pm EST
Stadium: Cleveland Arena, Cleveland, OH
Radio: 97.1 FM The Ticket, 950 AM
Watch: FanDuel Sports Network – Detroit
Pistons Building Confidence in Preseason Play
The Detroit Pistons enter this matchup looking to build on their early preseason rhythm. Detroit opened with an impressive 128-112 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, then followed up with a competitive 117-111 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Last season marked a turning point for the franchise, as Detroit broke out of the rebuild cellar with a 44-38 finish and a return to the playoffs for the first time since 2019. That resurgence gives this group confidence, but also focus, as they fine-tune before the regular season begins.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has emphasized rotation flexibility throughout the preseason, giving young players extended minutes and testing lineups. The focus tonight will remain on defensive communication, offensive flow, and shot efficiency as Detroit continues to define its identity.
Odds:
-Spread: Detroit Pistons +5.5 (-115)/ Cleveland Cavaliers -5.5 (-105)
-Money Line: Detroit Pistons +165/ Cleveland Cavaliers -200
-Over/Under: 233.5
Odds from BetMGM current to the time of publishing
Players to Watch
Detroit’s trio of Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, and Isaiah Stewart have all impressed early, showing poise and consistency on both ends of the court. Each brings a unique impact:
- Cade Cunningham: Floor general and offensive engine, looking sharper with each outing.
- Ausar Thompson: Showcases elite athleticism, defense, and transition play.
- Isaiah Stewart: Anchoring the interior with toughness and improved spacing from mid-range.
Key Things to Watch from Detroit
- Bench Execution: Can the second unit maintain pace and composure when starters rest?
- Defensive Intensity: Look for sharper rotations and improved closeouts in transition.
- Three-Point Efficiency: The Pistons have emphasized better spacing and perimeter shooting.
- Young Talent Development: Continued growth from rising players like Thompson and Jalen Duren will be key.
Cavaliers Still Searching for Traction
The Cleveland Cavaliers enter this contest still searching for their first preseason win. Despite a talented roster headlined by Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, Cleveland’s exhibition campaign has been marked by inconsistency.
This game offers valuable time for rookies and fringe rotation players to earn minutes, while the Cavs’ coaching staff looks to settle its rotation and defensive schemes before the season opener.
What to Expect Tonight
While the result won’t count in the standings, both teams have something to gain. For Detroit, it’s about sustaining momentum and refining chemistry. For Cleveland, it’s about finding rhythm and evaluating depth.
Given Detroit’s strong start to the preseason, renewed confidence from last year’s playoff return, and the Cavaliers’ ongoing struggles, the edge leans toward the Pistons in this matchup.
That said, fans should expect plenty of rotation experiments, substitution adjustments, and developmental minutes across both rosters; all part of the process leading up to opening night.
What’s Next
The Pistons will close out their preseason schedule on October 16 when they face the Washington Wizards, wrapping up their exhibition slate before the regular season tips off later this month.
Bottom Line:
The Pistons have rediscovered their identity; hungry, balanced, and disciplined. If they continue to build on that foundation tonight in Cleveland, Detroit basketball fans could be looking at another step forward in this new era of confidence.
