Cleveland Cavaliers @ Detroit Pistons: Dec 18, 2026

Updated
Regular Season
Cleveland CavaliersCavaliers
2-1 · Away
7:30 PM ET
Scheduled
Friday, December 18, 2026
Detroit PistonsPistons
3-1 · Home

Cavaliers vs Pistons tips off at 7:30 PM ET (4:30 PM PT) on Friday, December 18, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena, Detroit. TV: Rock Entertainment Sports Network (Cavaliers), WMYD TV20 (Pistons).

How to Watch Cavaliers vs Pistons: Time, TV & Stream

Date & time
Friday, December 18, 20267:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PT
Watch on
Local TV onlyLocal: Cavaliers Rock Entertainment Sports Network · Pistons WMYD TV20
Stream
NBA League PassCavaliers: DAZN · Pistons: DAZN
Arena
Little Caesars ArenaDetroit

League Pass carries this game outside both teams' markets; inside them it is on the local channel or stream. Outside the US: NBA League Pass International, no blackouts. Canada: NBA League Pass Canada.

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Injury Report

PlayerTeamPosStatusInjurySince
Isaiah JoePistonsGDay-To-DayHipOct 26, 2026
Jalen DurenPistonsCOutHamstringOct 24, 2026
NaeQwan TomlinCavaliersFOutBackOct 20, 2026

Status as of 11:00 AM ET, Oct 28. Teams can change a player's status up to tip-off; check team announcements before the game.

Key Players

Cavaliers

Pistons

Season averages, top three scorers per team.

Cavaliers vs Pistons Preview

The Cavaliers are 2-1 this season, while the Pistons are 3-1 this season.

They split last season's series 2-2. The Pistons rank 4th in opponent points, the biggest gap between these teams. Players to watch: Donovan Mitchell (26.7 points per game) and Cade Cunningham (20.8 points per game).

Cavaliers vs Pistons Head-to-Head

2026-27 season seriesFirst meeting this season
2025-26 season seriesSeries tied 2-2Playoffs: Cavaliers 4-3

Previous meetings

Cavaliers vs Pistons Season Stats 2026-27

Cavaliers 3 GPPistons 4 GP
119.3#9
Points per game
113.0#17
120.0#19
Opponent points
107.0#4
46.6%#9
Field goal %
46.1%#16
36.6%#11
Three-point %
37.6%#9
74.4%#17
Free throw %
73.3%#23
46.0#11
Rebounds
50.3#4
26.3#13
Assists
27.3#9
9.7#11
Steals
6.8#24
8.3#2
Blocks
8.5#1
18.0#28
Turnovers
16.3#19

Regular-season averages; rank of 30 teams.

Standings Context

Eastern Conference

#TeamW-LGB
1Celtics3-1–
2Pistons3-1–
376ers3-1–
4Hornets3-1–
5Raptors2-10.5
6Cavaliers2-10.5
7Hawks2-21.0
8Pacers2-21.0

More NBA Games on Dec 18, 2026

This Cavaliers vs Pistons page updates on its own: live score during the game, box score and recap minutes after the final buzzer. Next: Cavaliers host the Jazz Dec 20; Pistons visit the Celtics Dec 20.

Cavaliers vs Pistons FAQs

What time does Cavaliers vs Pistons start?

The Cleveland Cavaliers play the Detroit Pistons on Friday, December 18, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Tip-off is 7:30 PM ET (4:30 PM PT).

What channel is Cavaliers vs Pistons on?

Local TV: Rock Entertainment Sports Network (Cavaliers), WMYD TV20 (Pistons). Out-of-market fans can stream it on NBA League Pass.

What are the Cavaliers and Pistons records?

Going into this game the Cavaliers were 2-1 and the Pistons were 3-1 this season.

Who is injured for Cavaliers vs Pistons?

As of 11:00 AM ET, Oct 28: Isaiah Joe (Pistons, day-to-day, hip); Jalen Duren (Pistons, out, hamstring); NaeQwan Tomlin (Cavaliers, out, back).

How did Cavaliers vs Pistons go last season?

The regular-season series was split 2-2 in 2025-26. In the playoffs the Cavaliers won the series 4-3.

Who won the last Cavaliers vs Pistons game?

The Cavaliers beat the Pistons 125-94 on May 17, 2026 on the road.

Where is Cavaliers vs Pistons being played?

At Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, the home arena of the Detroit Pistons.

Is Cavaliers vs Pistons on NBA League Pass?

Yes, outside the Cavaliers and Pistons markets. Inside them the game is on the local channel and the team's streaming service (DAZN for Pistons fans). Outside the US, NBA League Pass International carries every game.