The Boston Celtics are aiming to avoid their first back-to-back losses of the season as they prepare to host the Detroit Pistons on Thursday.
The Celtics haven’t played since their 127-121 home loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. Despite overcoming a 14-point second-half deficit to take a four-point lead in the fourth quarter, Boston couldn’t maintain their momentum in the final minutes.
The game against Memphis was Boston’s fifth in seven nights, and the Celtics managed to hit just 18 of 60 from 3-point range.
Top reserve Sam Hauser exited Saturday’s game in the second quarter due to right adductor tightness and is listed as doubtful for Thursday’s game. Also questionable are All-Star Jayson Tatum (right patella tendinopathy), Jaden Springer (non-COVID illness), and Jordan Walsh (rib contusion).
On the other side, Cade Cunningham led the Pistons to end a three-game losing streak with a 120-111 victory over the New York Knicks on Saturday. Cunningham, the Pistons’ first-round draft pick in 2021, is averaging 23.9 points, 9.4 assists, and 7.3 rebounds in 21 games this season.
Detroit pulled away from the Knicks with an 18-4 run in the fourth quarter. Malik Beasley contributed significantly by hitting 7 of 10 3-pointers and finishing with 23 points.
Thursday’s matchup marks the third meeting between the Pistons and Celtics this season. Boston won both previous encounters: a 124-118 victory at Detroit on October 26, and a 130-120 win at Boston on December 4, where Cunningham tallied 27 points, nine rebounds, and 14 assists.
