Pistons Edge Celtics in Thrilling Finish
Monday, January 19, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Little Caesars Arena
Detroit Pistons 104, Boston Celtics 103, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Boston Celtics vs Detroit Pistons?
Detroit Pistons beat Boston Celtics 104-103 at Little Caesars Arena on January 19, 2026.
Who was favored in Boston Celtics vs Detroit Pistons?
Detroit Pistons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Detroit Pistons narrowly defeated the Boston Celtics 104-103 at Little Caesars Arena on January 20, 2026. This victory marks the Pistons' continued success against the Celtics, having won the season series 3-1. The game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with the outcome hanging in the balance until the final moments.
The Pistons entered the game with a solid home record of 31-10, while the Celtics boasted an away record of 26-16. Detroit's recent form included a 6-4 record over their last ten games, with an average of 113.2 points scored and 104.1 points allowed. They were on a two-game winning streak, having secured victories against the Indiana Pacers and the Phoenix Suns in their previous outings. The Celtics, on the other hand, had a stronger recent record of 7-3 in their last ten games, averaging 118.7 points scored and allowing 109.0 points. They also came into the game on a two-game winning streak, having defeated the Atlanta Hawks and the Miami Heat.
The Pistons' home performance has been particularly impressive, with a 4-2 record in their last six home games. Their scoring average at home was bolstered by a recent 121-78 victory over the Pacers. Conversely, the Celtics had a mixed away record of 5-1 in their last six away games, including a dominant 146-115 win against the LA Clippers.
In terms of previous meetings, the Pistons and Celtics had faced off multiple times in the current season, with Detroit winning three of the four encounters. Their most recent matchup prior to this game saw the Pistons win 112-105 on December 16, 2025. The familiarity between the two teams added an extra layer of intensity to this matchup.
Injury concerns loomed over the Celtics, with star player Jayson Tatum listed as day-to-day due to a knee issue. His absence could have significantly impacted the Celtics' performance, but the team still managed to put forth a strong effort.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had the Pistons favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 223.5. The odds reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with the Pistons' moneyline at -135 and the Celtics at +114.
As the game progressed, the atmosphere in Little Caesars Arena was electric. The Pistons took the lead in the fourth quarter, with pivotal plays from Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris. Harris hit a crucial three-pointer to extend Detroit's lead to 104-99, but the Celtics fought back, with Jaylen Brown scoring to bring the game within one point.
The final moments were tense, with both teams exchanging baskets. Brown's driving layup brought the Celtics to within one point, but the Pistons held on for the win despite a late surge from Boston. The final score of 104-103 reflects the razor-thin margin by which the Pistons secured their victory.
Fans watching the game were treated to a thrilling display of basketball, marked by strategic plays and intense competition. The Pistons' ability to execute in crunch time proved decisive, while the Celtics, despite the loss, showcased their resilience and skill. This game not only reinforced the Pistons' dominance in the series but also highlighted the potential for future matchups between these two teams.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DET -2.5 | 223.5 o -108 / u -112 | Boston Celtics +114 · Detroit Pistons -135 |
Injury report
- Jayson TatumDay-To-DayKneeBoston Celtics
Leaders
- PointsTobias Harris25Detroit Pistons
- AssistsCade Cunningham14Detroit Pistons
- ReboundsJalen Duren9Detroit Pistons
- PointsJaylen Brown32Boston Celtics
- AssistsDerrick White5Boston Celtics
- ReboundsJaylen Brown11Boston Celtics
Recent form
Detroit Pistons
Last 10: 6-4Streak W2113.2 scored · 104.1 allowed per game4-2 at home
- W121-78vs Indiana PacersJan 18
- W108-105vs Phoenix SunsJan 16
- L92-98vs LA ClippersJan 11
- W108-93vs Chicago BullsJan 8
- W121-90vs New York KnicksJan 6
- W114-110at Cleveland CavaliersJan 4
- L112-118vs Miami HeatJan 2
- W128-106at Los Angeles LakersDec 31
- L99-112at LA ClippersDec 29
- L129-131at Utah JazzDec 27
Boston Celtics
Last 10: 7-3Streak W2118.7 scored · 109 allowed per game5-1 away
- W132-106at Atlanta HawksJan 18
- W119-114at Miami HeatJan 16
- L96-98at Indiana PacersJan 13
- L95-100vs San Antonio SpursJan 11
- W125-117vs Toronto RaptorsJan 10
- L110-114vs Denver NuggetsJan 8
- W115-101vs Chicago BullsJan 6
- W146-115at LA ClippersJan 4
- W120-106at Sacramento KingsJan 2
- W129-119at Utah JazzDec 31
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | - | 26 | W2 | .683 | 56 |
| New York | 3 | 29 | L1 | .646 | 53 |
| Toronto | 10 | 36 | W1 | .561 | 46 |
| Philadelphia | 11 | 37 | W2 | .549 | 45 |
| Brooklyn | 36 | 62 | L3 | .244 | 20 |
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
Box score
| Stat | Boston Celtics | Detroit Pistons |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 33-83 | 38-88 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 13-41 | 11-35 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 31 |
| Free throws | 24-30 | 17-23 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 45 | 41 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 32 |
| Assists | 13 | 24 |
| Steals | 7 | 9 |
| Blocks | 4 | 9 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 3 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 3 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 19 | 6 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 20 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 48 |
| Fouls | 23 | 25 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 12 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 37 | 52 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter64-67Duncan Robinson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 3rd Quarter66-67Derrick White makes 9-foot fade away jump shot
- 3rd Quarter67-67Payton Pritchard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter68-67Payton Pritchard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter68-68Cade Cunningham makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter68-69Cade Cunningham makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter68-71Ausar Thompson makes running layup (Tobias Harris assists)
- 3rd Quarter71-71Anfernee Simons makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter71-74Duncan Robinson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 3rd Quarter73-74Anfernee Simons makes 17-foot fade away jump shot
- 3rd Quarter73-76Jalen Duren makes 5-foot dunk (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 3rd Quarter76-76Jaylen Brown makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter76-78Jalen Duren makes tip in dunk
- 3rd Quarter79-78Luka Garza makes 25-foot three point jumper (Baylor Scheierman assists)
- 3rd Quarter79-80Cade Cunningham makes driving layup (Jaden Ivey assists)
- 3rd Quarter80-80Payton Pritchard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter80-82Tobias Harris makes 6-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter82-82Payton Pritchard makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter82-84Tobias Harris makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter85-84Luka Garza makes 29-foot three point jumper (Derrick White assists)
- 4th Quarter87-84Jordan Walsh makes layup
- 4th Quarter87-87Jaden Ivey makes 27-foot three point jumper (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 4th Quarter87-88Jaden Ivey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-91Jaden Ivey makes 27-foot three point jumper (Ronald Holland II assists)
- 4th Quarter89-91Luka Garza makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter91-91Jaylen Brown makes 9-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter91-93Cade Cunningham makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter91-96Duncan Robinson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 4th Quarter92-96Neemias Queta makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-96Neemias Queta makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-96Payton Pritchard makes technical free throw
- 4th Quarter95-96Neemias Queta makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-96Jaylen Brown makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter97-99Tobias Harris makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 4th Quarter98-99Jaylen Brown makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-99Jaylen Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-101Cade Cunningham makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter99-104Tobias Harris makes 24-foot three point jumper (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 4th Quarter101-104Jaylen Brown makes 2-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter103-104Jaylen Brown makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot (Derrick White assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Detroit Pistons, below favours Boston Celtics.
Venue
- Little Caesars ArenaDetroit, MI
- Attendance19996
- OfficialsJacyn Goble, Rodney Mott, Robert Hussey
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