LIVE: Cleveland Cavaliers Lead Detroit Pistons 100-93 — Fourth Quarter in Progress

The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently beating the Detroit Pistons 100-93 with 6:09 remaining in the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The Cavs are hanging tough without their two biggest stars — Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are both OUT tonight.

Fourth Quarter Surge: Cavaliers Building Their Lead

Cleveland opened the fourth quarter on a 16-8 run, pushing their lead to as many as 13 points after trailing briefly in the third. The Cavs are shooting 40.7% from three on the night — 11-of-27 from deep — and executing beautifully on offense despite the banged-up roster.

Evan Mobley is the story of the night for Cleveland. He has 20 points on a blazing 8-of-12 from the field — including 4-of-6 from three — adding 8 rebounds and 2 blocks. Jarrett Allen is right beside him with 21 points on an outstanding 9-of-11 shooting with 8 rebounds. Sam Merrill has contributed 16 points off the bench on 50% shooting including 3 triples.

Cade Cunningham Leads Detroit With 23 Points and 10 Rebounds

Cade Cunningham is willing the Pistons to stay in this game. He has 23 points on 10-of-19 shooting to go with 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals — a double-double effort and an MVP-caliber performance on the losing end so far. Jalen Duren adds 22 points and 9 rebounds, and Ausar Thompson has 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Detroit is shooting just 22.7% from three — 5-of-22 — which has been the difference in this game. The Pistons were 73.8% favorites entering tonight but Cleveland's interior duo of Mobley and Allen has dominated the paint.

James Harden and Donovan Mitchell Both Sit Out Tonight

The Cavaliers are winning this game without their two primary stars. James Harden, who fractured his right thumb against the Knicks on Tuesday, is resting tonight. Donovan Mitchell is also out with a right groin strain. In their absence, Cleveland's depth has stepped up admirably — particularly Mobley, Allen, and Merrill.

Dennis Schroder is running the offense in Harden's absence with 8 assists, though he has been inefficient shooting 2-of-10 from the field with 4 turnovers. Jaylon Tyson has provided energy off the bench with 12 points on 60% from three.

Score by Quarter

Cleveland leads with 6:09 left — tune in on NBA League Pass to catch the finish.