Dan Dakich Picks Cavaliers to Cover -4.5 Spread in Game 3 vs Pistons

The second round of the NBA Playoffs is moving quickly with two games each night and alternating series. The contests have not matched the first round's quality but still top the regular season. Tonight's wager focuses on Game 3 between the Pistons and Cavaliers.

The Detroit Pistons nearly collapsed in the first round, falling behind 3-1 to the Magic. They seized control in Game 5 and found momentum in Game 6's second half, limiting Orlando to 19 points in the third and fourth quarters combined. The Magic faltered despite a chance to win, and the Pistons cruised in Game 7.

Detroit won the first two games of this series by 10 points each. In both, the Pistons built leads, lost them, then regained control late. The victories mark their fifth straight win and position them strongly. Cade Cunningham averages 24 points and 8.5 assists through the two games.

The Cleveland Cavaliers struggled past the Toronto Raptors in seven first-round games without looking dominant. They stand 0-5 on the road in the postseason but 4-0 at home. A win in this game is essential to keep the series alive; a 2-2 tie would force just one road victory to advance.

Cleveland falters in late games. James Harden and Donovan Mitchell resort to isolation plays without certainty. Mitchell scored 31 points in Game 2, but the team could not close after tying early in the fourth and narrowing it to one point late.

Home court should change that. Teams often elevate at home, and the Cavaliers take it further. Mitchell and Cunningham should match up, forcing reliance on role players like Harden, third-best on the roster, and big men Jarett Allen and Evan Mobley in the top six.

The Pistons carry confidence, but Cleveland believes small shots could have put them up 2-0. Adjustments and home comfort should deliver the win. Take the Cavaliers to cover the -4.5 spread.