Cavs vs. Pistons FREE STREAM: How to watch the preseason game against JB Bickerstaff

DETROIT- A familiar face is on the other side as 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 game can be watched for free on multiple streaming services.

Today’s game will air live on NBA TV and Bally Sports Ohio with tipoff at 7:00 PM Eastern. Fans who have parted ways with their cable provider can watch the basketball game for free by taking advantage of 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 offers half off your first month.

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

On the other hand, the Cavs failed to advance to the conference finals multiple times despite building a core talent four and acquiring superstar Donovan Mitchell. Expectations continued to rise as early exits plagued them. Playoff berths were expected. The ‘fun’ 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 win of the preseason after falling behind Chicago and Indiana. New head coach Kenny Atkinson’s fast-paced offense has shown flashes in limited playing time.

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

Rookie guard Jaylon Tyson is averaging 6.5 rebounds per game, while guard Ty Jerome was 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’s core four of Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen have played just 19 total minutes together this season. Expect another small glimpse tonight.

On the injury front, the Cavs will once again be without shooting guard Max Strus (hip) and Emoni Bates (knee surgery). Sharpshooter Sam Merrill (right wrist) will also miss the game.

The Pistons, looking to erase the haunting memories of last year, have settled for a 2-2 preseason campaign thus far. They defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in a confidence-boosting win and also picked up a win against the Phoenix Suns.

They signed Malik Beasley and Tobias Harris in the offseason.

The Pistons are averaging 104.8 points per game and averaging 45.5 rebounds per game. Detroit is dishing out 28 assists per game. The Pistons defense was impressive, holding the opposition 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. Pistons center Cade Cunningham is averaging 14.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 7.0 assists.

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

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

What are the latest Cavs preseason odds vs. Pistons?

Moneyline: CLE: (-155), DET: (+130)

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

Top/Bottom: 226

Odds from DraftKings

Here’s more information about Cavs-Pistons and how to watch them on different TV and streaming options:

What: NBA Preseason: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons

When: Wednesday October 16, 2024

Time: 7:00 PM Eastern

Where: Little Caesars Arena | Detroit, Mich

Channels: NBA TV, Bally Sports Ohio

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

Cable channel finder: AT&T U-Verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, Cox, DirecTV, Dish, Verizon Fios