The Cleveland Cavaliers are heading home with their backs against the wall. After dropping Games 1 and 2 in Detroit, the fourth-seeded Cavs trail the top-seeded Pistons 2-0 in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinals series. Game 3 on Saturday, May 9, at Rocket Arena is as close to a must-win as you can get without facing elimination—and the energy in the building should be electric.

Detroit has looked sharp on its home floor, with Cade Cunningham leading the charge and the Pistons' defense stifling Cleveland's offensive rhythm. The Cavs, led by Donovan Mitchell, need to find answers fast if they want to avoid a 3-0 hole that few teams ever climb out of.

Here are Game 3 predictions from our sports writers:

Ryan Lewis: The Cavs will feed off the home crowd and come out with much-needed urgency. Cleveland adjusts defensively and gets a balanced scoring night from Mitchell and Darius Garland. Prediction: Cavs win 108-101.

Nate Ulrich: Detroit's depth and Cunningham's playmaking have been too much for Cleveland so far. The Pistons are battle-tested and won't be rattled on the road. Expect a tight game, but Detroit takes control late. Prediction: Pistons win 112-106.

Game 3 tips off at 3 p.m. ET. Whether you're cheering for a Cavs comeback or backing the Pistons to take command, this is a pivotal matchup that could define the series. Don't miss it.