The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking to stay composed and avoid panic mode as they aim to grab Game 3 at home against the Detroit Pistons, where our NBA player prop projections have identified several strong value opportunities.
By breaking down the data and comparing it to the latest market lines, we’ve uncovered where the strongest betting edges lie for this pivotal matchup.
These Pistons vs. Cavaliers predictions are driven by numbers instead of guesswork.
If you’re building your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Saturday, May 9.
Pistons vs Cavaliers computer picks for Game 3
 Pistons |
 Cavaliers |
|---|---|
| Duren o10.5 rebounds -115 |
Harden o19.5 points -112 |
| Cunningham u27.5 points -115 |
Mitchell o3.5 assists -165 |
| Harris o1.5 3-pointers +105 |
Mobley o8.5 rebounds -115 |
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Pistons Game 3 computer picks
Jalen Duren Over 10.5 rebounds (-115)
Projection: 11.17 rebounds
The Detroit Pistons rank as the third-best offensive rebounding team in the league this season, and Jalen Duren has fully embraced his role on the glass. Dating back to Game 7 against the Magic, he’s elevated his play with consistent double-digit rebounding efforts.
He’s carried that momentum into this series with 12 and 10 boards in Games 1 and 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, making this rebound prop line an appealing look for Game 3.
Cade Cunningham Under 27.5 points (-115)
Projection: 25.75 points
Cade Cunningham’s points projection for Game 3 feels appropriate, considering he’s fallen just short of clearing the 27.5 line in each game of the series so far. He’s posted 23 and 25 points in Games 1 and 2 against the Cavaliers, and with the series shifting to Cleveland, the defense will be even more focused on keeping him in check.
Expect Cunningham to remain in that same scoring range rather than taking a big leap forward here.
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Tobias Harris Over 1.5 3-pointers (+105)
Projection: 1.67 3-pointers
Over the last five games, opposing starting power forwards have averaged 6.1 three-point attempts per game against the Cavaliers — the fourth-most in the league — setting up a favorable spot for Tobias Harris, who’s been red-hot for the Pistons this postseason.
Coming off a 67% shooting performance from deep in Game 2, expect Harris to stay aggressive and keep letting it fly from beyond the arc in a pivotal Game 3.
Cavaliers Game 3 computer picks
James Harden Over 19.5 points (-112)
Projection: 22.14 points
The Cavaliers have played at the 10th-fastest pace at home over their last five games, and that tempo should work in James Harden’s favor as he looks to help swing this series back in Cleveland’s direction.
Harden struggled mightily in Game 2, finishing with just 10 points on 3-for-13 shooting. With so much riding on his performance, the Cavs can’t afford a repeat showing especially with Game 3 shifting to their home floor.
Donovan Mitchell Over 3.5 assists (-165)
Projection: 4.55 assists
Donovan Mitchell has flirted with this assists line throughout the series against the Pistons, and with Game 3 carrying added importance, he may be leaned on to get over the hump.
With the offense lacking consistency, creating opportunities for others becomes even more critical. That opens the door for Mitchell to ease some of his scoring burden by stepping into more of a facilitator role—making him a strong candidate to rack up assists in this spot.
Evan Mobley Over 8.5 rebounds (-115)
Projection: 8.54 rebounds
The Cavaliers rank third in the league over their last 10 games with 12.7 offensive rebounds per contest, and Evan Mobley will be looking to make up ground alongside Harden after a highly uncharacteristic one-rebound performance in Game 2.
How to watch Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 3
| Location | Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH |
| Date | Saturday, May 9, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBC |
Not intended for use in MA.
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