The Boston Celtics (40-19), the NBA’s top shooting defense, will go head-to-head against the Detroit Pistons (28-29) at Little Caesars Arena. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 204.5 points with Boston set as a 1-point favorite. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Friday, February 23, 2018, and it can be seen on Fox Sports – Detroit.
Boston Celtics vs. Detroit Pistons Odds Preview
The Celtics were beaten by the Los Angeles Clippers in their last outing, 129-119. Kyrie Irving had a solid game for Boston, leading both teams in scoring with 33 points on 11-for-21 shooting. Los Angeles did an excellent job of making free throws (30-33; 90.9 percent). Boston, on the other hand, held the Clippers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.7 (below their season average of 22.9).
In the Pistons’ last matchup, they beat the Atlanta Hawks, 104-98. Detroit received a boost from Ish Smith, who was the game’s high scorer with 22 points on 8-for-13 shooting. Detroit played a nearly perfect game. They had a superb free throw rate of 0.253 (above their season average of 0.170) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.2 (below their season average of 22.5). For those same stats, Atlanta was 0.180 and 17.8, respectively.
Detroit might struggle to put up points as they face off against one of the NBA’s best defenses. Boston currently ranks first in defensive efficiency while the Pistons rank 18th in offensive efficiency.
Of Boston’s 59 games, 30 have finished under the O/U total, while 31 of Detroit’s 57 games have finished under the projected point total. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Celtics have a significant advantage. They are 40-19 SU and 33-23-3 ATS, while the Pistons are 28-29 SU and 26-29-2 ATS.
These two teams have already met twice this year, each winning once. Al Horford put up 18 points, nine rebounds and six assists in the most recent contest, in which the Celtics beat the Pistons 91-81, covering as 1-point favorites. The two teams combined to score 172 points, which was 29 points below the projected point total of 201 points. Boston had a better effective field goal percentage (0.487 vs. 0.393). Detroit, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (8.9 vs. 13.0).
Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons Odds Prediction
Pick: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Pistons rank 14th in points in the paint per game (44.2) while the Celtics rank 28th (38.8).
- Boston averages 44.3 rebounds per game, which ranks 10th in the league. Detroit ranks 16th in rebounds allowed per game (43.2).
- Boston ranks fifth in three pointers allowed per game (26.6) while Detroit ranks 17th (29.5).
- Detroit ranks second in fast break points allowed per game (8.8) while Boston ranks fourth (9.9).
- Detroit is 12-18-1 ATS at home, while Boston is 18-9 ATS on the road.
- The Celtics have 14 unders and 13 overs in 27 road games.
- In 31 home games, the Pistons have 16 unders and 15 overs.
- Boston is 26-3 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Detroit is 14-6.
- When reaching the century mark, the Celtics are 29-8 and the Pistons are 25-14.
- The Pistons rank fourth in second chance points allowed per game (10.9) while the Celtics rank 10th (11.5).
- Boston ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (20.6) while Detroit ranks 27th (24.6).
- The Celtics rank fifth in blocks allowed per game (4.4) while the Pistons rank 21st (5.1).
- The Celtics rank third in steals allowed per game (6.9) while the Pistons rank eighth (7.1).
- Detroit ranks 11th in points off turnovers per game (16.9) while Boston ranks 26th (14.5).
Bettings Trends:
- Detroit is 0-5 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Boston is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Pistons’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.2, up from 0.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 102.0 points per game (1.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 112.4 points per game (12.8 above their season average).
