Traps and edges in radically different series for the Pistons

The Detroit Pistons tip off their second-round matchup against the Cavaliers, which should be a much different series than the slugfest they just had with Orlando. 

The Cavaliers have a better offense than Orlando, and when they get hot from long range, they can be tough to beat. They also have multiple creators, something Orlando lacked once Franz Wagner went out with an injury. 

The Pistons have traps they have to avoid but also have advantages to exploit. 

The Pistons can’t get into foul trouble 

Cleveland averaged the 5th most points per game this season, so they are a much more dynamic offense than Orlando, who like the Pistons, lacks consistent outside shooting. 

But the Cavaliers have one thing in common with both, which is that they get to the free-throw line a lot.  

The Cavs averaged 26.9 free throw attempts per game in their series with the Raptors, not far off the Pistons’ average of 28.1, so it will be a factor just like it was in the Orlando series. 

Cleveland has one of the all-time great foul-drawers in James Harden, who shot 13 free throws in their close-out game over the Raptors. The Cavs didn’t even shoot particularly well in game seven but got to the line for 37 free throws to make up for it. 

The Pistons cannot fall for Harden’s head fakes and rip through moves for cheap fouls, especially on Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson, who will likely both be defending him at times. 

How this series is called and who wins the free-throw battle will be big factors. 

The Pistons can’t allow offensive rebounds 

The Cavs shot nearly 40 long-range shots per game against the Raptors, and though their percentage wasn’t great (34%), they got a ton of offensive rebounds off their misses from 3-point range. 

Cleveland averaged 12.9 offensive rebounds per game against Toronto, so this will be a factor for Detroit just as it was in the first round. Jalen Duren has to keep Jarrett Allen from running wild on the offensive boards, as he grabbed eight of them in the deciding game. 

The Pistons’ guards also have to get involved on the long rebounds and finish the possession before trying to run. 

The Cavaliers are a much-worse defense on the perimeter 

The Cavs had the 14th ranked defense this season, and even though they are good at the rim with Mobley and Allen, their perimeter defense is far worse than the one the Pistons just faced. 

Going from Anthony Black and Jalen Suggs, who were both relentless pests in round one, to Harden and Mitchell is a big drop off, at least on defense. Obviously, the Cavs guards are 10,000 miles better than the Magic backcourt on offense. 

This will be a series for the Pistons guards and wings to attack the perimeter defenders, force switches and a ton of action and make those two work. 

Cade Cunningham 

The Magic had a ton of different looks to throw at Cade, especially when Franz Wagner was still in the series. They were trapping with defenders who have active hands, making every pass difficult and then occasionally throwing size at him with Banchero and Wagner. 

The Cavs have fewer options, as neither of their starting guards can hang with Cade, as he will blow by Harden and Mitchell is too short. I’m sure the Cavaliers will throw a lot of bodies at him, the same as the Magic did, but will they be as effective? Let’s keep in mind that Cade averaged 32.4 points in the first series, and that was against a tough defense. 

Cleveland’s defense is good too, but it will be interesting to see if Cade can take advantage of their guards and really make them work on the defensive end. His ability to defend and score should give him an advantage over the Cavs backcourt. 

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