The Celtics host the Detroit Pistons for the first of 3 games this season. They will meet again in Boston on March 18 and then again in Detroit, 4 days later, on March 22. The Celtics won the series 4-0 last season and have won their last 6 meetings with the Pistons. The Celtics are 250-140 overall all time against the Pistons and they are 40-14 at home.
The Celtics remain in 1st place in the East. They are 1 game ahead of 2nd place Milwaukee, 2.5 games ahead of 3rd place Philadelphia and 5.5 games ahead of 4th place Orlando. They are 14-0 at home and 8-2 in their last 10 games. They are 19-4 against Eastern Conference opponents. They have won their last 3 games.
The Detroit Pistons are last in the East. They are 21.5 games behind the Celtics. They are 3.5 games behind 14th place Washington and 11 games out of 10th place and play in contention. They are 1-14 on the road and they are 0-10 in their last 10 games. They are 2-19 against Eastern Conference opponents. They have lost 27 straight games and now hold the record for most consecutive losses in a single season.
The Pistons just completed a home and home set against the Nets. After this game they return home for a game against the Raptors and then they have a 4 game road trip through Houston, Utah, Golden State and Denver, so things don’t get much easier for them. The Celtics are playing in the first of back to back games. They play Toronto on Friday at home and then they face San Antonio and Oklahoma City on the road.
For the Celtics, Svi Mykhailiuk is probable with a heel contusion. Lamar Stevens is probable with a non-covid illness. Jaylen Brown has been listed as out with a back contusion after taking a knee to the back from LeBron James on Monday. Jayson Tatum was originally listed as questionable but is now expected to play. I’m guessing that Hauser will start in Brown’s place.
For the Pistons, Killian Hayes is probable with a non covid illness. Ausar Thompson is also probable with a non-covid illness. Monte Morris is out with a quad injury. Isaiah Stewart is out with a toe injury. Since Ausar Thompson is probable, I’m going to guess that he will get the start in place of the injured Isaiah Stewart.
Probable Celtics Starters
PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Derrick White
SF: Sam Hauser
PF: Jayson Tatum
C: Kristaps Porzingis
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