Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics Prediction, NBA Odds
The Celtics wrapped a four-game California swing with a 126-115 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day, and are now aiming to build on their perfect 14-0 straight up record on home court at TD Garden. The Pistons laid claim to the longest SU losing streak in NBA history with Tuesday’s 118-112 loss to the visiting Brooklyn Nets, and have now fallen to defeat in 27 straight games including 13 straight losses on the road.
The Celtics have vaulted to heavy 16.5-point favourites on the Thursday NBA odds. The Pistons sport long +950 moneyline odds of pulling off the upset win, while the total is pegged at 231.5.
Pistons vs. Celtics NBA Betting Odds
The Celtics return home after overcoming the uneven play that has dogged them on the road by closing out their California trip with three straight wins. No such concerns exist at home where the Celtics’ perfect 14-0 start has extended an impressive SU win streak in regular season action to 21 games. Nine of the squad’s 14 home wins this season have come by double-digit margins, with the Celtics defence limiting opponents to just 107.1 points per game. Accordingly, Boston has also been a reliable bet at home, going 10-4 against the spread during their unbeaten start.
At the other end of the spectrum, and NBA standings, the Pistons search for their first win since October 28. Detroit has covered just seven times during its 0-27 SU run, and has been lit up for 123 points per game during their epic swoon. The Pistons also sport the NBA’s third worst offence, which has scored just 109.3 points per game, but sport a respectable 3-3 ATS record as double-digit underdogs so far this season.
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons’ continued struggles will not be helped by their current injury woes. Big man Isaiah Stewart is expected to miss Thursday’s contest due to a toe injury. The 22-year-old has been a presence under the bucket while compiling 7.0 rebounds this game this season, and had reached double digits in boards in two of the three outings prior to his current injury. Point guard Killian Hayes has been sidelined by an illness since December 16, and remains a gametime decision for Thursday. Hayes has been used sparingly, but has thrived with extra responsibilities, tallying double-digit point totals while enjoying extra playing time in four straight games earlier this month. However, any hopes of the Celtics ending their historic slide rest with Cade Cunningham, who racked up 41 points in Tuesday’s loss to the Nets, and averaged 33.5 points scored over his past four outings.
Boston Celtics
Perhaps the greatest threat to the Celtics as they seek to extend their epic home win streak is the potential to look past the bottom feeding Pistons on Thursday night. Further complicating things for the Celtics are the current health issues plaguing stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The team leader in both points and rebounds per game, Tatum is coming off a 25-point performance on Christmas Day, but is questionable for Thursday with an ankle injury. Brown has averaged a steady 26 points per game over his past five outings, but is also questionable for Thursday with a back contusion. On a positive note, Kristaps Porzingis showed no ill effects of his recent injury while piling up 28 points and 11 boards against the Lakers, which marks his third double-double in five games including two over his past three home appearances.