After suffering a crushing defeat at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks, the Detroit Pistons face another daunting task: a back-to-back matchup against the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Detroit hopes to rebound from their recent struggles, but the odds—and the numbers—aren’t in their favor.
Game Details:
- When: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA
- Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
- Odds: Pistons (+13.5)
Analysis
The Pistons’ defense, typically a strong point under JB Bickerstaff, crumbled against Milwaukee, allowing the Bucks to shoot 23 wide-open threes. Boston, boasting the highest three-point rate in league history, presents an even greater challenge. The Celtics’ deep roster, led by Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White, thrives on capitalizing from beyond the arc. Payton Pritchard’s breakout shooting (78 made threes, 5th in the NBA) further bolsters their perimeter attack.
Detroit’s Malik Beasley, their top three-point shooter with 79 makes, has held his own statistically against Boston’s stars like Tatum (83) and White (77). However, the Pistons’ inability to convert quality threes consistently has plagued their offense. Despite attempting 40+ threes in three games this season, Detroit lost all three, with their offense failing to surpass a 116.7 rating.
To compete with Boston, Detroit must focus on generating efficient offense rather than forcing shots. They’ll need to balance keeping pace with the Celtics’ high-octane scoring while maintaining discipline to avoid wasted possessions.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Ausar Thompson vs. Boston’s Stars: The Pistons’ rookie has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly on defense. His potential matchups against Tatum or Brown promise an intriguing battle, as Thompson continues to grow into a versatile two-way player.
- Paint Presence: Thompson’s ability to attack the paint and create opportunities for teammates, highlighted by a lob from Cade Cunningham against Milwaukee, will be crucial if Detroit hopes to disrupt Boston’s rhythm.
Pistons’ Path to an Upset
- Control the Pace: Detroit’s best chance lies in slowing the game down and limiting possessions.
- Tighten the Defense: After a poor showing against the Bucks, the Pistons must focus on closing out shooters and contesting threes.
- Efficient Offense: Quality over quantity from beyond the arc is vital to stay competitive against Boston’s elite scoring.
A victory against the Celtics would provide a much-needed morale boost for Detroit. But with Boston well-rested and eager to replicate Milwaukee’s success, the Pistons face a tall order to defy the odds.
