The Detroit Pistons are back in action tonight after a short hiatus, with a road game in Boston against the defending champion Celtics.
The Pistons have lost 11 straight to the Celtics, their longest active losing streak after beating the Knicks to end a 16-game skid against New York.
The Pistons should be well-rested and ready to go after four days off between games. They have another short break after this one, so Detroit will leave it all on the floor tonight and we should see big minutes for their key players.
We are now entering the stretch that may decide which direction the Pistons go this season, as they have the Celtics before returning home for the Heat and Jazz and then heading on a four-game Western Conference road trip where they will play the Lakers, Suns, Kings and Nuggets.
Come out of this stretch with a few wins and Detroit should be in the thick of the play-in chase, but if they continue to play like they have over the last 10 games (record of 3-7), we could see Trajan Langdon start to weigh his options when it comes to trades.
It all starts tonight against Boston, and a win for the Pistons would be a huge momentum builder as they head into this difficult stretch of games.
Pistons injuries vs. Celtics
The Pistons will be missing rookie Bobi Klintman, who has yet to appear in a game this season. His injury status still hasn’t been upgraded since suffering a mysterious calf injury that has kept him sidelined since the end of training camp.
He does seem to be getting closer, as he’s been taking part in shootarounds and practice and recently posted an IG story that said “Getting close,” so who knows? The team has been as transparent as usual, which is to say not very.
The Celtics have Jaden Springer, Jordan Walsh and Jayson Tatum listed as questionable and Sam Hauser is listed as doubtful for tonight’s game.
Boston beat Detroit in the last matchup without Tatum, so I wouldn’t be shocked to see him sit again.
How to watch Pistons vs. Celtics
The 7:30 PM ET tip-off in Boston will be on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit Extra as well as on NBA TV for one of the Pistons’ four quasi nationally televised games.
You can also listen on 950 AM and have myriad streaming options that you can find here.
Pistons starting lineup vs. Celtics
Coach JB Bickerstaff hasn’t tinkered with his starting five much, but it might be time for a change, as Isaiah Stewart is outplaying Jalen Duren and deserves more minutes.
We could see that change tonight, though I wouldn’t hold your breath.
Ausar Thompson is back from his groin injury as well, so it would be nice to see him get more minutes than the 15 per game he’s been playing since his return.
The Pistons will have to play an almost perfect game to beat Boston on the road, that includes taking care of the ball, making free throws and not allowing the Celtics to go off from long range.