Game Preview
The Boston Celtics enter Wednesday's matchup against the Detroit Pistons riding a wave of momentum, boasting an impressive 17-4 record on the season. Their high-octane offense has been a force to be reckoned with, averaging a blistering 120 points per game while shooting a scorching 46 percent from the field and hovering around 38 percent from beyond the arc.
The Celtics' well-rounded attack has been fueled by a relentless effort on the glass, grabbing nearly 44 rebounds a night, complemented by a crisp ball movement that yields over 25 assists. Defensively, they've clamped down, holding opponents to just under 110 points while causing havoc with 7.4 steals and 5.5 blocks per contest.
In their recent stretch, the Celtics have been nearly unstoppable, winning 8 of their last 10 and 16 of 20. Over the last five games, they've taken their play to new heights, averaging 118 points while limiting foes to 106. Their shooting percentages have soared, with a 46 percent clip from the field and a shade under 39 percent from deep.
On the other hand, the Detroit Pistons have struggled to find consistency, sitting at 9-13 on the year. While their offense has been respectable, averaging nearly 110 points, their defensive lapses have been costly, surrendering 112 points per game. The Pistons have been particularly vulnerable on the road, where they'll look to break a recent losing skid.
In their last 10 outings, Detroit has mustered just a 4-6 record, with their shooting percentages dipping to 45 percent from the floor and 36 percent from deep. Turnovers have also plagued them, coughing up the ball nearly 15 times during this stretch. If the Pistons hope to pull off an upset, they'll need to shore up their defensive intensity and take better care of the basketball.