Once again, the Detroit Pistons find themselves as significant underdogs as they gear up to host the Boston Celtics in what will be their final encounter at Little Caesars Arena this season, marking the fourth-to-last home game for the Pistons. For metro Detroiters, this game offers a rare opportunity to witness a truly dominant basketball team in action.
Boston stands as the undisputed leader in the NBA with a commanding record of 55-14, sitting comfortably atop the Eastern Conference standings with a sizable 10½-game advantage over the Milwaukee Bucks. Their remarkable record also surpasses that of Denver by six wins.
Unfortunately for the Pistons, a loss in this matchup would once again level them with the WаsҺinɡton Wizards for the NBA’s lowest ranking record.
The Celtics secured a decisive victory over the Pistons with a commanding 119-94 win in Boston on Monday, a game where both teams were missing several key starters. The Pistons were without Cade Cunningham, while the Celtics were missing Jayson Tatum, among others. The ιnjᴜry list for the Pistons is extensive, and the Celtics will also be without their core starting lineup. Refer to the ιnjᴜry report and projected starters provided below.
Looking ahead, the Pistons are set to face off against Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and the New Orleans Pelicans in a Sunday afternoon matchup at home. Following this, the Pistons will wrap up their season with nine of their final 11 games on the road.
The Pistons are down six players, but will have three of the four most important players on the court. Out for the Pistons: Simone Fontecchio (left toe contusion), Quentin Grimes (right knee) and Taj Gibson (right hamstring). Out for the season are forwards Ausar Thompson (ƅlооԀ cut), Isaiah Stewart (hamstring) and Stanley Umude (right ankle fracture).
The Celtics only list Jrue Holiday (right shoulder) as out, but have numerous core players with questionable designations: Kristaps Porzingis (hamstring), Jayson Tatum (ankle), Jaylen Brown (ankle) and Al Horford (toe). Sam Hauser (ankle) is probable.
Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics starting lineups
Pistons: PG Cade Cunningham, G Jaden Ivey, F Troy Brown Jr., PF Tosan Evbuomwan, C Jalen Duren.
Celtics: PG Payton Pritchard, G Derrick White, F Jaylen Brown, F Jayson Tatum, C Kristaps Porzingis.