How we see it goin' down: Celtics vs Pistons

Tip: 6PM Court: Palace at Auburn Hills Watch it: CSNNE Hear it: 98.5 Sports Hub

Referees: Ken Mauer, Dick Bavetta, Sean Corbin

Spread: DET -9.5

The Matchup


Record: 0-2	Record: 1-1
On road: 0-1	At home: 1-0
Streak: Lost 2	Streak: Lost 1

Leaders	Leaders
Buckets: Jeff Green (19.0 ppg)	Buckets: Greg Monroe (20.0 ppg)
Boards: Vitor Faverani (10.5 rpg)	Boards: Monroe (12 rpg)
Dimes: Gerald Wallace (3.0 apg)	Dimes: Chauncey Billups (5.5 apg)

For the Stat Geeks:	For the Stat Geeks:
Offensive Rating: 102.6 (16th NBA)	Offensive Rating: 112.0 (4th NBA)
Defensive Rating: 109.8 (28th NBA)	Defensive Rating: 107.9 (24th NBA)
Pace: 90.2 (30th NBA)	Pace: 93.8 (21st NBA)

Last time

Detroit took 2 of 3 against Boston last season. While the Pistons finished 29-53 last year (11th in conference), many analysts project Detroit to return to the playoffs this season.

This time

Get it to: Whomever Chauncey Billups guards

The Celtics will have a substantial mismatch if they go big and play Jeff Green or Gerald Wallace at the 2. Either should be able to take advantage of the 37-year old Billups.

Gotta stop: The Pistons front court

Greg Monroe, Andre Drummond and Josh Smith are a diverse and talented bunch. Look for Brad Stevens to call on Kris Humphries (DNP-CD vs Milwaukee) to help defend the post. Every possession that results in at least a 17-foot jump shot by Smith is a small victory for Boston.

The Wild Card: Avery Bradley

Bradley couldn’t have started the season any worse. He’s averaging 8 points on 29% shooting. He has more fouls (12) than field goals (8). It would benefit Bradley if he could get some easy opportunities in transition.