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**.
**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
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.
**\-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](https://www.mi.betmgm.com/en/sports/events/detroit-pistons-at-cleveland-cavaliers-18249687) current to the time of publishing
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.
* **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.
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.
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.
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.