The Detroit Pistons (10-15) and Boston Celtics (19-5) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET from TD Garden in Boston. The game will broadcast live on NBA TV.
The Celtics are 11.5-point favorites over the Pistons on the spread (Celtics -11.5), with the over/under set at 225.5 total points. Boston is a -650 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Detroit is +475 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Pistons vs Celtics predictions and NBA picks for Thursday, December 12.
Pistons vs Celtics Picks, Prediction
Spread
The spread for this game is lengthy, with the Celtics favored by 11.5. Considering Jayson Tatum is questionable for this game, it's a bit surprising to see it this high.
The Pistons have a clean injury report. Meanwhile, both Sam Hauser and Jayson Tatum are questionable for Boston.
This presents some one-directional risk, where if you want the Celtics, wait it out. But if you want the Pistons, play it now, because the news break on Tatum would bring this down multiple points.
Moneyline
The best Celtics moneyline price you can find is -770, and the best Pistons price is +600. If I were to take a side on the moneyline here, I would shoot for it with the Pistons.
JB Bickerstaff was the coach for Cleveland last year and played this Boston team in the playoffs. He understands to beat the Celtics you need to shoot a lot of threes and run them off the line.
If the Pistons play Game Theory Optimal basketball and win the math game, they can win with their shooting in Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., Tobias Harris, and Cade Cunningham.
Over/Under
I like the under here at any number at 227 or above. I think the Pistons will make a concerted effort to run the Celtics off of the 3-point line and try and quickly set up their half court defense.
The Pistons can be tough in the halfcourt, and getting back on defense to set up quickly can help stop the Celtics. The Pistons can also switch a lot and rebound well.
I think this line closes at 227 and would still take the under at that number. It is my favorite bet for this game, but would only play it for a half-unit.
My Pick: Under 227.5
Pistons vs Celtics Odds, Point Spread, Total, Lines
| Pistons Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+11.5 -110 | 225.5 -110 / -110 | +475 |
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-11.5 -110 | 225.5 -110 / -110 | -650 |
- Pistons vs. Celtics spread: Celtics -11.5
- Pistons vs. Celtics over/under: 225.5 points
- Pistons vs. Celtics moneyline: Celtics -650, Pistons +475
- Pistons vs. Celtics best bet: Under 227.5 (-140)
Pistons vs. Celtics NBA Thursday Preview
The Pistons are the look currently at +11.5, a lot of which hinges on the injury report where the Detroit side is clean and the Celtics have both Jayson Tatum and Sam Hauser questionable.
These teams played recently and there is familiarity between the coaching staffs, so I like an upside shot with Detroit to cover the spread, a sprinkle on the moneyline, and a play on the under.
Pistons vs. Celtics Betting Predictions
My Celtics vs. Pistons best bet for tonight is on the under at 227 total points.
The Pistons half court defense and rebounding is very impressive, and likely a focal point for this game against the Celtics where they need to limit transition threes and win the possession battle.
If Tatum or Hauser are sidelined, the total should drop and could even fall even below 225 if the questionable players do not suit up.
If you are looking in the prop market, I like Jaylen Brown Over 5.5 rebounds, and Tobias Harris Over 0.5 blocks at plus-money.
Best Bet: Under 227.5 (-140)
Same Game Parlay: Under 227.5, Jaylen Brown Over 5.5 Rebounds (+220)
