The NBA has officially released the Eastern Conference semifinals schedule between the top-seeded Detroit Pistons and the fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. The series opens on May 5 with Game 1 in Detroit at 7:00 PM ET.
Detroit enters the matchup after a seven-game first-round win over the Orlando Magic. Cleveland advanced after a similarly tight 4-3 series victory over the Toronto Raptors, setting up a high-intensity second-round battle.
Game 1 and Game 2 will be played in Detroit on May 5 and May 7, both at 7:00 PM ET. The Pistons hold home-court advantage as the No. 1 seed in the East.
Cleveland hosts Games 3 and 4 on May 9 and May 11, with tipoffs scheduled for 3:00 PM ET and 8:00 PM ET respectively. The series shifts momentum quickly with four games packed into seven days.
If necessary, Game 5 returns to Detroit on May 13, followed by Game 6 in Cleveland on May 15 and a potential Game 7 back in Detroit on May 17. All later-game broadcast details remain to be determined.
Detroit’s playoff profile has been built around Cade Cunningham, who is averaging 32.4 points, 7.1 assists, and 5.7 rebounds across seven postseason games. His usage and efficiency place him at the center of Detroit’s half-court structure.
Cleveland counters with a balanced attack led by Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. Mitchell is averaging 23.1 points per game in the playoffs, while Harden adds 20.6 points and 6.1 assists per game.
Interior production also shapes the matchup, with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen providing Cleveland with rim protection and efficient finishing. Detroit responds with Jalen Duren’s rebounding presence, averaging 9.4 boards per game.
The winner of the series will advance to face either the New York Knicks or Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
