The Detroit Pistons have won two of three head-to-head matchups with the Boston Celtics this season, and they’ll look to add another win when the Top 2 seeds in the Eastern Conference face off at Little Caesars Arena tonight.
Both teams are playing excellent defense, and my Celtics vs Pistons predictions call for a low-scoring game in Detroit.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this heavyweight bout on Monday, January 19.
Celtics vs Pistons prediction
Celtics vs Pistons best bet: Under 224 (-110)
Over the last 10 games, the Detroit Pistons have surrendered the fewest points in the Association at 104.1, and the Boston Celtics have surrendered the fifth-fewest points at 109.
Detroit also has the best home defense, allowing just 106.7 ppg — fewer than the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. That number has lowered to 97 points across its last six at Little Caesars Arena.
The Pistons rank 14th in pace, and the Celtics are dead last, making this matchup a methodical grind rather than a track meet.
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Celtics vs Pistons same-game parlay
Defense has led the Pistons to a 13-3 record as home favorites. I'm more comfortable taking Detroit straight up than betting the spread.
Jalen Duren has averaged 12.2 rebounds per game at home compared to just 9.5 on the road. He's pulled down at least 11 boards in 17 of 33 contests, including 10 of 16 at home.
Celtics vs Pistons SGP
- Under 224
- Pistons moneyline
- Jalen Duren Over 10.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Brown gets clamped
Jaylen Brown is averaging nearly 30 points per game this season, but he's recorded 31+ in just 16 of 38 games — including seven of 19 on the road.
Celtics vs Pistons SGP
- Under 224
- Pistons moneyline
- Jalen Duren Over 10.5 rebounds
- Jaylen Brown Under 30.5 points
Celtics vs Pistons odds
- Spread: Celtics +3.5 | Pistons -3.5
- Moneyline: Celtics +130 | Pistons -155
- Over/Under: Over 224 | Under 224
Celtics vs Pistons betting trend to know
Boston has hit the Under in seven of its last 10, and Detroit has gone Under in nine straight. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Pistons.
How to watch Celtics vs Pistons
| Location | Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI |
| Date | Monday, January 19, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBC/Peacock |
Celtics vs Pistons latest injuries
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