Cavs take on Pistons in Eastern Conference semis

Like the Raptors, Detroit is one of basketball's most formidable defensive teams, with physical big men and one of the game's top individual players in Cade Cunningham.

• The Pistons are coached by J.B. Bickerstaff, who was Cleveland's head coach from 2020 through 2024.

How to watch: Three of the Cavs' first four games will air on Peacock, so it might be worth a temporary membership if you're not already a subscriber.

• Game 1: 7pm Tuesday, May 5 (Peacock/NBCSN)
• Game 2: 7pm Thursday, May 7 (Amazon Prime)
• Game 3: 3pm Saturday, May 9 (NBC/Peacock)
• Game 4: 8pm Monday, May 11 (NBC/Peacock)

Zoom in: Jarrett Allen was the unexpected superstar from Game 7 — the first Cavs player ever to post a double-double in a single playoff quarter.

• The defensive intensity from Max Strus and Sam Merrill off the bench kept the Raptors from clawing back.

🤙 Sam's pick: The battle-hardened Cavs will break through to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in the Donovan Mitchell era.

• Cleveland in six.

Go deeper: For those considering a quick trip to Detroit for Games 1 or 2, check out the Axios Detroit weekend getaway guide.