Detroit Pistons vs Boston Celtics Prediction NBA Picks 12/4/24

The Detroit Pistons have been in a real slump as they’ve lost six of their last eight games overall and they will be hoping to snap a two-game skid after getting trampled by the Bucks in a 128-107 home loss last night. Cade Cunningham led the team with 23 points and six assists on nine of 16 shooting, Tobias Harris added 16 points while Tim Hardaway Jr chipped in with 15 points. As a team, the Pistons shot 46 percent from the field and 11 of 33 from the 3-point line, but they were always fighting an uphill battle after allowing 42 points in the second quarter. The Pistons looked competitive throughout most of the contest, but the Bucks kept connecting on 3-point shots all night to keep them behind on the scoreboard. 

Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics have been on fire as they’ve won eight of their last nine games overall and they will be eager to keep it going after blowing past the Heat in a 108-89 home win on Monday. Jaylen Brown led the team with 29 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, Payton Pritchard added 25 points with four assists on 10 of 17 shooting off the bench, Derrick White added 19 points with eight assists while Jayson Tatum tallied 18 points with 11 rebounds and four assists. As a team, the Celtics shot 43 percent from the field and 19 of 55 from the 3-point line as they dominated early and outscored the Celtics by 60-45 in the first half, before they held the Heat to just 18 points in the third quarter to put the game to bed early. 

Why the Boston Celtics will win

• The Pistons have lost each of their last 30 night games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record.
• The Celtics have won each of their last 13 home games when playing with a rest advantage.
• The Pistons have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record.
• The home team has covered the spread in five of the Celtics’ last six games.

The Pistons are coming into this game with a full roster once again, while the Celtics are keeping an eye on Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday who are both questionable for this one. The Pistons have shown glimpses of their potential earlier in the season, but they’ve gone cold and are now faced with the task of taking on the Celtics despite playing on zero days’ rest. The Celtics have barely missed a step of the last two weeks, they just smashed the Heat and they shouldn’t have too much trouble here as long as Tatum or Holiday can suit up. This is a game where you want to check the lineups before tipoff, but as it stands I am more comfortable taking the Celtics to get the job done at home.