Detroit Pistons massive underdogs at Celtics: Injury report, starting lineups, game info
The Detroit Pistons will try to avoid more history Thursday night against the Boston Celtics.
The Pistons have lost an NBA single-season record 27 straight games, but will try to avoid tying the all-time record in the four major sports of 28 consecutive losses (over two seasons), held by the Philadelphia 76ers from the end of the 2014-15 season through the start of 2015-16.
Don't worry though, owner Tom Gores and general manager Troy Weaver have a "plan."
Boston has won six straight in the series, with the Pistons' last win coming Feb. 16, 2022 in Boston, 112-111. The Celtics lead the all-time regular season series, 250-140. Ouch.
This is a mismatch of epic proportions on numerous levels: Boston is listed as a two touchdown and a field goal favorite. Notably, the Celtics lead the NBA in 3-point makes per game (16.2), while the Pistons are 30th (9.9).
SHAWN WINDSOR: Pistons have made ugly history. It can still get worse — much worse.
Boston has a formidable veteran top 6 in Jayson Tatum (26.9 points per game), Jaylen Brown (22.6), Kristaps Porzingis (19.6), Derrick White (16.6), Jrue Holiday (13.1) and Al Horford (7.5). The Celtics entered Wednesday's games third on offense and fifth on defense, and sport the No. 2 net rating behind only Philadelphia. The Pistons are 28th in offensive rating and 26th on defense.
Cade Cunningham is coming off a 41-point performance vs. the Nets, which included 37 in the second half, perhaps the best game of his career. He averages a team-leading 23 ppg and seven assists.
The Pistons next host the Toronto Raptors on Saturday.
Here's what you need to know about this Pistons vs. Celtics game, TV and streaming info, the injury report and projected starting lineups.
TUNE IN: Watch Pistons-Celtics on Fubo (free trial)
Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics start time today
Matchup: Pistons (2-28) vs. Celtics (23-6).
Date: Thursday, Dec. 28.
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET.
Where: TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
Betting line: Celtics by 17½ (how to bet and get sign up bonuses).
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Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics TV channel today
TV: Bally Sports Detroit.
Radio: WXYT-FM 97.1 (Pistons radio affiliates).
Streaming: Fubo (free trial).
If you do not have Bally Sports Detroit, you can sign up for Fubo with a free trial to watch the Pistons all season long.
Detroit Pistons injury report vs. Boston Celtics
Killian Hayes (illness) has missed the past four contests, but is again listed as probable for the third straight game. Ausar Thompson (illness) is also listed as probable, but starting power forward Isaiah Stewart (right big toe sprain) is out. Monte Morris (right quad strain) has yet to debut and is out into January.
Boston forward Jaylen Brown (back contusion) has been ruled out for the game Thursday, while Jayson Tatum (ankle management) is officially listed as questionable but is expected to play. Both played in the game on Christmas Day against the Los Angeles Lakers.
INSIDER: Pistons owner wants change — likely a big trade. But can Troy Weaver pull that off?
Pistons vs. Celtics projected starting lineups
Pistons: G Cade Cunningham, G Jaden Ivey, F Bojan Bogdanovic, PF Kevin Knox, C Jalen Duren
Celtics: G Jrue Holiday, G Derrick White, F Sam Hauser, F Jayson Tatum, C Kristaps Porzingis.
Lineups subject to change.
Pistons uniform, jersey vs. Celtics
The Pistons are, for the second straight game, in their new slick black City Edition uniforms with orange piping, the look an ode to the Bad Boys.
The Celtics are donning their classic all-white with "CELTICS" written in green across the chest.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Pistons game today vs. Boston Celtics: Injury report, lineups
