Detroit opens its home schedule against a Boston team still searching for rhythm.
Game Details
- Matchup: Boston Celtics (0–2) at Detroit Pistons (1–1)
- Location: Little Caesars Arena — Detroit, MI
- Tip-off: Sunday, 3:00 PM ET
- Watch: NBA TV / Bally Sports Detroit
Pistons: Bringing the Fight Home
The Detroit Pistons began the regular season on the road and will now settle in for a three-game homestand beginning Sunday afternoon against Boston.
After falling to Chicago in their opener, Detroit bounced back Friday in Houston with the type of grit that defined their playoff push last spring. Despite adversity — starting center Jalen Duren was ejected in the first half for throwing an elbow, and reserves Isaiah Stewart and rookie Ron Holland fouled out — the Pistons battled to a 115–111 road win over the Rockets.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised the composure his team showed under pressure:
“Our motto this season is controlling the chaos, and I think that’s what you saw out there. Last year, we let emotions get the best of us. Tonight we didn’t back down.”
Cade Cunningham struggled early but delivered in crunch time, scoring a team-high 21 points and orchestrating key possessions down the stretch.
“That’s our identity,” Cunningham said. “We knew it was going to be a dogfight — we want to play physical, we want to set the tone. That’s what got us the win.”
Detroit snapped a 12-game losing streak to the Celtics last February and will look to build on that momentum in front of a home crowd that hasn’t seen them since the preseason.
Celtics: Searching for Answers
The Boston Celtics arrive in Detroit winless and working through early growing pains. After dropping their opener to Philadelphia, they fell again Friday night to New York, 105–95, in a game that showed improvement but still highlighted key issues.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla stressed urgency after watching his team stumble through a 42–14 second quarter against the Knicks:
“We’re 12 minutes closer. We did it for 12 minutes last game, 24 this one. We’ve got to build to 48. We can’t ease into the season — we have to develop our identity with urgency.”
Boston rallied in the second half behind Jaylen Brown, who’s averaging 24.0 points per game through two outings, but offensive rebounds again proved costly. New York’s seven boards in the final quarter kept the Celtics from completing the comeback.
Brown acknowledged the problem directly:
“We’ve got to get nastier on the glass. Every time we made a run, those second-chance points killed our momentum.”
This version of Boston looks different after an offseason of roster trimming and contract restructuring. Early chemistry and rebounding remain the biggest concerns heading into Detroit.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Cade Cunningham vs. Jaylen Brown – Two leaders who set the emotional tone for their teams. Cunningham’s decision-making vs. Brown’s shot creation could dictate flow.
- Rebounding Battle – Detroit’s physical frontcourt (Duren, Stewart) against Boston’s more minor rotations. Whoever wins the glass likely wins the game.
- Bench Contributions – The Pistons’ second unit held firm in Houston despite foul trouble. Boston’s reserves have yet to find rhythm or consistency.
Prediction
Detroit’s physicality, energy, and early defensive cohesion give them an edge, especially at home. Boston still looks a step slow and uncertain on the boards. Unless the Celtics’ veterans impose their will early, expect Detroit to grind this one out in front of a fired-up crowd.
🧩 Prediction: Pistons 112, Celtics 104