Cavaliers vs. Pistons Prediction: Game 5 Odds & Best Bet

With the series tied at 2-2 in their Round 2 matchup, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons will face off in a pivotal Game 5 at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday in Little Caesars Arena on ESPN.

Detroit is a 4.5-point favorite, though I’m targeting Donovan Mitchell’s assist prop for my Cavaliers vs. Pistons prediction.

Cavaliers vs. Pistons Prediction: Wednesday, May 13

• Donovan Mitchell under 3.5 assists (-105)

Based on the current NBA betting lines, I like the under on Donovan Mitchell’s assist prop (3.5) for my Game 5 best bet.

Mitchell exploded for 39 points in the second half of a 43-point performance in Game 4, helping the Cavaliers even the series. However, he finished with just two assists on four potential dimes and 30 passes.

There are many reasons why I like the under on Mitchell’s assist prop again. For starters, he might prefer a scoring approach after such a huge performance.

Mitchell also hasn’t been much of a facilitator this postseason. In 11 playoff games, he’s averaging 2.9 assists on 7.3 potential dimes and 33.5 passes. Mitchell has only cleared this prop three times in the playoffs, including once in his previous nine outings.

In addition, Mitchell hasn’t dished more than three assists in any of the five losses this postseason. He recorded a total of five dimes in the two defeats in Detroit earlier this series. Considering the Pistons are 4.5-point favorites, that context matters.

Lastly, the Pistons are excellent at preventing assists. They’ve allowed the fewest assists in the league during the postseason. They were also the best defense against assists in the regular season.

All signs point to an under on Mitchell’s assist line in Game 5.

Prediction: Donovan Mitchell under 3.5 assists (-105)

Cavaliers vs. Pistons Odds for Game 5

• Cavaliers spread: +4.5
• Spurs spread: -4.5
• Total: 212.5