The Boston Celtics (23-6) are hosting the Detroit Pistons (2-28) in a conference showdown on Thursday. This will be the first of three regular-season outings between these clubs, and Boston has a whopping 250-140 all-time record over Detroit. Additionally, the Celtics have won six straight games over the Pistons, and Detroit is riding a single-season record 27-game losing streak. Jaylen Brown (back contusion) is out for the Celtics, while Isaiah Stewart (toe) is out for Detroit.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at TD Garden in Boston. The Celtics are 17-point favorites in the latest Pistons vs. Celtics odds, per SportsLine consensus. The over/under for total points is 234. Before making any Celtics vs. Pistons picks, you need to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's advanced computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model enters Week 10 of the 2023-24 NBA season on a sizzling 103-55 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning well over $4,000. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Boston vs. Detroit and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Now, here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Celtics vs. Pistons:
- Pistons vs. Celtics spread: Boston -17
- Pistons vs. Celtics Over-Under: 234 points
- Pistons vs. Celtics money line: Boston -1519, Detroit +850
- DET: Has hit the 1Q Game Total Over in 26 of its last 40 games
- BOS: Has hit the 4Q Game Total Under in 58 of its last 96 games
- Pistons vs. Celtics picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Celtics can cover
Center Kristaps Porzingis is a lengthy presence who can stretch the floor due to his jumper. Porzingis (7-foot-2) defends the rim at a high level while owning a soft touch around the basket offensively. The 28-year-old logs 19.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. He has recorded at least 24 points in back-to-back games, including on Christmas versus the Lakers when Porzingis had 28 points and 11 rebounds.
Guard Derrick White plays well on both ends of the floor. White's jump shot is reliable, and he has the playmaking skills to get his teammates involved. The Colorado product averages 16.6 points, 5.2 assists, and shoots 42% from 3-point land. In his previous game, White put up 18 points, 11 assists, and two steals. See which team to pick here.
Why the Pistons can cover
Guard Cade Cunningham is able to control the pace with outstanding playmaking ability. Cunningham has the ball handles to consistently get into the lane and score at will. The 2021 first-overall pick is 11th in the NBA in assists (7) with 23 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. In his last outing against the Nets, the 22-year-old dropped 41 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.
Guard Jaden Ivey is another contributor in the backcourt. Ivey has great speed in the open court before exploding down the lane. The Purdue product also plays feisty defense with a knack for getting into passing lanes. Ivey averages 12.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. On Dec. 21 versus the Jazz, he racked up 24 points, seven assists, and three steals. See which team to pick here.
How to make Pistons vs. Celtics picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Under on the total, projecting 230 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in well over 60% of simulations. You can only see the model's picks at SportsLine.
So who wins Celtics vs. Pistons, and which side of the spread hits well over 60% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model on a 103-55 roll on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.
