Celtics vs. Pistons Preview & Prediction

The Boston Celtics currently hold the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference and are only a half game ahead of the Miami Heat, enhancing the importance of this game. The Detroit Pistons also desperately need a win as they will be eliminated from playoff contention with another loss.

Projected Starting Lineups

Boston Celtics (35-42)

G Marcus Smart – 7.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg

G Avery Bradley – 14.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg

F Evan Turner – 9.5 ppg, 5.4 apg

F Brandon Bass – 10.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg

C Tyler Zeller – 10.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg

Detroit Pistons (30-47)

G Reggie Jackson – 17.6 ppg, 8.7 apg

G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – 12.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg

F Caron Butler – 5.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg

F Greg Monroe – 16.0 ppg, 10.4 rpg

C Andre Drummond – 13.6 ppg, 13.4 rpg

What to watch for:

How will Boston handle Monroe & Drummond in the post?

Monroe and Drummond are one of the top rebounding duos in the NBA, which poses a major problem for the Celtics. Boston doesn't have any elite rebounders and have relied on a rotation of average big men to get the job done. Detroit should have an advantage down low, but if Boston can keep up with the Pistons on the glass, they'll win this game.

Prediction: Celtics win 98-91

Detroit has three really good players with Jackson, Monroe, and Drummond, but they don't really get production from anyone outside of that. Boston's depth will give them a slight advantage early, and they'll hold onto it for the rest of the game.

Back to the Boston Celtics Newsfeed