Three reasons Pistons-Cavaliers will be a series to remember

The Detroit Pistons will meet the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals starting on Tuesday, and it's shaping up to be a meeting like no other.

Sure, the NBA is about athleticism and drive. But it's also about drama and history. Let's get into what makes this series so unique.

Why Pistons-Cavs series will be inique

The history

This year's series marks the first time in 20 years these two teams have met each other in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The last time it happened, the Pistons were victorious over the Cavaliers in a tough, seven-game series. The teams had the same seeds as they do now, and the No. 1 Pistons beat the Cavs in Game 7 on May 21, 2006, with a 79-61 win at home. At that time, a young LeBron James led the Cavs, but they still fell short.

Detroit ties

Even though the Cavaliers are a Cleveland team, they have strong Detroit ties.

Dan Gilbert owns the Cavaliers. Gilbert is considered the main force behind downtown Detroit's revitalization and has invested billions, yes billions, of dollars into the city, as well as purchased more than 100 downtown properties, according to Crain's Detroit Business. He's also the founder of Rocket Companies and moved his company headquarters downtown in 2010, all moves that have benefited the city.

Cade Cunningham vs. Donovan Mitchell

Cade Cunningham taking on Donovan Mitchell will be electric. These are two of the most buzzed-about players in the NBA, and to see them go up against each other in a Midwest matchup for the NBA Finals will be thrilling for fans and those in the NBA.

Even though Mitchell's numbers are slightly better in scoring and overall hype, Cunningham is a rising star and is becoming one of the faces of the NBA. This is gearing up to be a stellar series, and it hasn't even started yet.