Expectations for the Detroit Pistons were never incredibly high heading into the 2022-23 season but things could certainly be better than they currently stand. Detroit picked up a much-needed win on Monday after going 1-8 in its previous nine and will look to build on that by picking up its first road win of the season.
The Pistons will look to do that against the reigning Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics, winners of three straight following an impressive road victory against the Grizzlies in which budding superstar Jayson Tatum dropped 39 points — his fifth 30+ point game of the season.
Can the Pistons pick up their first road win or will Tatum build on his early MVP campaign? Read our NBA picks and predictions to see where we stand.
Pistons vs Celtics best odds
Pistons vs Celtics picks and predictions
Although they may be 3-8 to start the season, there is plenty to still be excited about when it comes to the Detroit Pistons. The young backcourt of Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey is already looking like the foundation of something special, akin to the Jayson Tatum/Jaylen Brown duo years ago.
Cunningham, last year's first overall pick, is averaging 21.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.4 assists as the pilot of Detroit's offense and has also shown impressive defensive intensity as well. At 21, Cade arguably is only lacking as a 3-point shooter (31.3% career 3P%) and that may develop over time.
His new running mate, Ivey, has made his mark early after being selected fifth overall this past summer. The former Purdue guard is averaging 15.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists and is every bit as athletic and explosive as he was advertised. Like Cunningham, however, he is a bit lacking from the perimeter thus far (31.1%).
The lack of perimeter presence is one of the Pistons' weak points, as the team collectively shoots 33.7% — good for just 24th in the league. The good news is Detroit has allowed just a 34.3% three-point percentage — the eighth-best mark in the league.
That will certainly be put to the test on Wednesday night when they go up against the Celtics, who are shooting a sixth-best 38.7% from deep. That includes Tatum, who is shooting 37.0% on an absurd 9.2 attempts per game. Complimenting his efforts are the likes of Al Horford (40.5% on 4.6 3PA), Grant Williams (53.8% on 2.9 3PA), and Derrick White (39.4% on 3.3 3PA).
And while Tatum has rightfully received a lot of attention and praise for his early season proficiency, Brown is seeing improved play as well. Brown is managing career-high marks in points (24.9), 3-point attempts (7.4), free-throw attempts (5.2), free-throw percentage (84.6%), and rebounds (6.7). In essence, Brown is playing more aggressively and it is making things easier for Tatum and the rest of the Celtics.
It's that level of well-roundedness to the Celtics' rotation that justifies Wednesday's spread of 12.5 — a number Boston should be able to cruise past.
My best bet: Celtics -12.5 (-105 at Pinnacle)
Looking to do some NBA betting? Here are two of the best bonuses* available:
A) New users at FanDuel can get a no-sweat first bet of up to $1,000! Sign Up Now
B) New users at DraftKings can bet $5 and get $200 in free bets! Sign Up Now
*Eligible USA locations only. Also, check out our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2022.
Pistons vs Celtics spread analysis
Neither team has anything to write home about when it comes to performing against the spread. Detroit sits at 5-6 on the season and Boston is at 4-6. This coincidentally comes a season after the Pistons and Celtics ranked eighth and sixth respectively in cover percentage.
Detroit is just 1-4 as road underdogs this season as well and Boston is an even 2-2 as home favorites.
Action is seemingly coming in on Boston, with the current line being a full point higher at -12.5 than it was at open (-11.5).
Pistons vs Celtics Over/Under analysis
Speaking of moves, the total for Wednesday night's matchup has also seen some significant movement. After opening at 224.5 at most shops, the total is in the 226.5-227 range across the board by the time of this writing.
Both teams have played a tad bit favorably to the Over to start the season, with the Celtics going 6-4 that way and the Pistons going 5-4 as well.
Boston has gone Over in three of their last four while Pistons games have hit four straight Unders after going 6-1 to the Over to start the season.
Pistons vs Celtics betting trend to know
Detroit is just 1-4 ATS as a road underdog to start the season. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Celtics.
Pistons vs Celtics game info
| Location: | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date: | Wednesday, November 9, 2022 |
| Tip-off: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Bally Sports Detroit, NBC Sports Boston |
