DETROIT – A familiar face is on the other side: former Cavs head coach JB Bickerstaff and his Detroit Pistons host the Cleveland Cavaliers today – Wednesday, October 16 – at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The NBA preseason matchup is available to watch for free on multiple streaming services.

Today’s game will be broadcast live on NBA TV and Bally Sports Ohio, with tipoff beginning at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Fans who have cut ties with their cable provider can watch the basketball game for free using streaming alternatives like FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, both of which offer free trials. FuboTV also offers $20 off your first month.

Another option is SlingTV, which saves you half of your first month.

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Bickerstaff’s tenure in Cleveland can be viewed in two ways. He helped turn the Cavs franchise back into a consistent top-four finisher in the Eastern Conference, culminating in a berth in the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals against the eventual champion Boston Celtics. That opportunity turned into the second straight gentleman’s sweep in the postseason.

On the other hand, the Cavs repeatedly failed to advance to the conference finals despite building a core roster of talent and signing superstar Donovan Mitchell. Expectations continued to rise as they struggled with early exits. Playoff places were expected. The “funny” and “dangerous” team no longer surprised anyone.

Cleveland went in a different direction and the rest is history.

The Cavs are still looking for their first preseason win after falling short against Chicago and Indiana. New head coach Kenny Atkinson’s fast-paced offense showed flashes in limited playing time.

In a small sample, the Cavs are averaging 114.5 points per game and 51 rebounds per game, tied for their third-best mark in the preseason. They also dish out 30.5 assists per game, which is fourth in the league. Cleveland has allowed an average of 122.5 points per game, second to last in the league.

Rookie guard Jaylon Tyson is averaging 6.5 rebounds per game, while guard Ty Jerome has been impressive with 10 points and 5.5 assists per game.

Cleveland is expected to play most of its starters in this penultimate preseason game.

Cleveland starters Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen have played a total of just 19 minutes together this season. Expect another sneak peek tonight.

As for injuries, the Cavs are again without shooting guard Max Strus (hip) and Emoni Bates (knee surgery). Sharpshooter Sam Merrill (right wrist) will also miss the match.

The Pistons, trying to erase the haunting memories of last year, have settled for a 2-2 season so far in the preseason. They defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in a victory that boosted their confidence and also picked up a win against the Phoenix Suns.

They signed Malik Beasley and Tobias Harris in the offseason.

The Pistons average 104.8 points per game and average 45.5 rebounds per contest. Detroit dishes out 28 assists per game. The Pistons’ defense was impressive, holding opponents to 98.5 points per game, which is third-best in the preseason.

Jaden Ivey leads the way with 18.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. The Pistons’ centerpiece, Cade Cunningham, is averaging 14.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 7.0 assists.

After a heavy load last game, Detroit’s starters saw limited minutes in the matchup, which also marks their preseason finale.

Ausar Thompson is out indefinitely (blood clot) and freshman Bobi Klintman (calf) is day-to-day.

What are the latest Cavs vs. Pistons preseason odds?

Money line: CLE: (-155), DET: (+130)

Point distribution: CLE: -3.5, DET: +3.5

Over/Under: 226

Odds from DraftKings

Here are more details on Cavs-Pistons and how to watch it via various TV and streaming options:

What: NBA Preseason: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons

When: Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Time: 7 p.m. Easter

Where: Little Caesars Arena | Detroit, Mich

Channels: NBA TV, Bally Sports Ohio

Best Streaming Options: Fubo (free trial and $20 off your first month), DirecTV Stream (free trial), and SlingTV (half off your first month)

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