pistons vs celtics nba betting prediction
PublishedDecember 28, 2023,            Posted By: Maria Uebelhor
Last updated:December 28, 2023 , ,

NBA Pistons vs Boston Celtics Prediction 12/28/2023

The Detroit Pistons (2-28) travel to face off against the Boston Celtics (23-6) on Thursday, December 28th. This game will be played at TD Garden. The Celtics are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Pistons are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Lakers. Tip-off is set for 7:30 ET.

Pistons vs Celtics

The Pistons Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

The Pistons were defeated by the Nets in the most recent game, concluding with a score of 118-112. While the Pistons lost the game straight-up, they did manage to cover the spread as +6.5 point underdogs. The over/under line heading into this matchup was 228.5 points in which the two teams surpassed.

As they prepare to take on the Celtics, the Pistons are 2-28 overall and are looking to end their 27 game losing streak. In the Eastern Conference, they are ranked 15th and are 5th in the Central division.

So far, Detroit’s ATS record is below .500 at 10-19. In their last three games as favorites, the Pistons have not been able to cover the spread, and they are 10-16 against the spread when they are underdogs.

The Celtics Are Coming Off A Win

The Celtics clinched a 126-115 win over the Lakers in their previous game. The Celtics not only won the game but also covered the spread as -5-point favorites. The over/under line entering this matchup was 235 points, and both teams achieved a total score that exceeded that line.

With an overall record of 23-6, the Celtics are focused on extending their three game winning streak. Currently, the Celtics are 1st in the Eastern Conference and 1st in the Atlantic division.

Boston arrives with an ATS record of 14-13 for the season up to this point. In their last two home games, Boston has successfully covered the spread, and they maintain an ATS record of 9-4 at home compared to 5-9 on the road.

Pistons Offense Breakdown

Through 30 games games, Detroit is averaging 109.3 points per game (28th). Coming into today’s game, the Pistons will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 9.9 made 3’s per game. Not only is the Detroit offense struggling with their outside shot, but they are also getting to the charity stripe at a below average rate. So far, they are the 16th ranked team in made free-throws per contest.

Celtics Offense Breakdown

The Celtics arrive for today’s game as one of the NBA’s top offensive teams, scoring an average of 120.1 points per game (6th). So far, the Celtics are averaging 98.1 possessions per game, which places them below the NBA average. Even though the team has preferred to play at a slower pace, their effective field goal percentage of 57% has helped them with their overall scoring numbers.

Pistons Team Defenseboston celtics

Coming into the game, the Pistons’ defense is giving up an average of 120.8 points per game. So far, they have given up more points than the NBA league average in 73.3% of their games. So far this season, the Pistons’ defense has struggled with fouls, averaging 1st in fouls per contest. On average, opponents are getting to the line 27.6 times per game vs. Detroit.

Celtics Team Defense

This season, the Celtics’ defense is the 3rd ranked defense in the NBA at 3rd PPG. So far, they have held opposing offenses below the NBA scoring average in 75.9% of their games. On two point field goal attempts, the Celtics’ defensive unit is allowing a field goal percentage of 50.2% and allowing 37.0% from beyond the arc.

Key Players For The Pistons And Celtics

Our projections for today’s game indicate that Cade Cunningham will be the primary scorer for the Pistons, with 16 points and going 6/12 from the field. Throughout this season, his average stands at 23 points per game, along with 4.1 rebounds.

On the other side, Jaylen Brown is our projected leading scorer for the Celtics. We have him ending the game with a team-high 17 and grabbing 3 rebounds. For the season, he has a field goal percentage of 47.8% and is averaging 22.6 points per contest.

Pistons vs Celtics Trendsdetroit pistons

  • When looking at their past five road matchups, Detroit has an ATS record of 1-4 while averaging 107 per game. The team went 0-5 overall in these games.
  • The Celtics are 3-2 ATS in their last home games and 3-2 straight-up.
  • Going back to their last ten games as the underdog, the Pistons have a straight up record of 0-10. But, their mark vs the spread was just 2-7-1.
  • In their last three games as the betting favorite, the Celtics have a strong straight up record of 2-1. In addition, their ATS record was 2-1 in these scenarios.

Pistons vs Celtics Prediction

For a point-spread wager in this Celtics vs. Celtics game, we suggest taking the Pistons at +16.5. Even though our predictions have the Celtics winning 112-108, we see the Pistons as the better choice on the point-spread.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 231.5, and our model projects the Pistons and Celtics to reach a combined total of 220 points. Our bet is on taking the under.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.