How we see it goin' down: Celtics vs Pistons

Tip: 7:30PM Court: Palace at Auburn Hills Watch it: CSNNE Hear it: WEEI

Referees: Monty McCutchen, Karl Lane and Gary Zielinski

Spread: Bos -2.5

The Matchup


Record: 20-19	Record: 14-25
At Home: 7-11	At home: 10-11
Streak: Lost 2	Streak: Lost 2

Leaders	Leaders
Buckets: Pierce (19.3 ppg)	Buckets: Greg Monroe (15.4 ppg)
Boards: Garnett (7.0 rpg)	Boards: Monroe (9.2 rpg)
Dimes: Rondo (11.0 apg)	Dimes: Brandon Night (4.3 apg)

For the Stat Geeks:	For the Stat Geeks:
Offensive Rating: 102.6 (25th NBA)	Offensive Rating: 104.1 (16th NBA)
Defensive Rating: 103.3 (8th NBA)	Defensive Rating: 105.8 (14th NBA)
Pace: 91.0 (21st NBA)	Pace: 89.8 (26th NBA)

Last time

Detroit embarrassed the Celtics, 103-83, in the first match-up this season. The Pistons have won three straight at home against the Celtics by an average of 15 points. Yeah, I can’t believe it either.

This time

Get it to: Jeff Green

Call me crazy, but the Celtics can’t win without Green being aggressive. They’re 11-7 in games where he scores double digits. There’s no reason why he can’t attack Kyle Singler and/or Austin Daye. With Paul Pierce struggling (32% FG in last three games), Green’s output is critical.

Gotta stop: Greg Monroe

This 7-footer is turning into a Celtics killer. He’s averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds while shooting 64% in the last four vs Boston.

The Wild Card: Jared Sullinger

The Pistons have some big, physical frontcourt players. In addition to Monroe, former UConn Husky Andre Drummond is averaging 9 points and 9 rebounds over his last ten games. The bruising Jason Maxiell is shooting 53% this month. The Celtics NEED Jared Sullinger to continue his monster efforts on the boards.