NBA · Final

Pistons Secure Victory Over Celtics in Season Opener

113

121

Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · Little Caesars Arena

Detroit Pistons 121, Boston Celtics 113, 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 121-113 at Little Caesars Arena on October 20, 2026.

Who was favored in Boston Celtics vs Detroit Pistons?

Boston Celtics were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -125 (about 56% implied). The underdog won.

The Detroit Pistons triumphed over the Boston Celtics with a final score of 121-113, marking a strong start to their season. This game took place at Little Caesars Arena, where the Pistons have shown impressive form, now leading the season series against the Celtics 1-0. The Pistons improved their record to 1-0, while the Celtics fell to 0-1.

In terms of recent performance, the Pistons entered this game with a solid home record of 4-0 and an overall last ten games record of 8-2, with a winning streak of three. They averaged 119.9 points scored while allowing 108.1 points over their last ten games. In contrast, the Celtics had a slightly less favorable away record of 3-2 in their last five games, with an overall record of 8-2 in their last ten. They averaged 119.6 points scored and allowed 108.4 points during that stretch.

Historically, the Pistons have had the upper hand in their recent matchups against the Celtics, winning three out of the last four encounters. Their previous meetings this season included a narrow victory for the Pistons on January 20, 2026, where they won 104-103. The Celtics had managed to win 112-105 in their earlier meeting on December 16, 2025, but the Pistons also secured a win in their first matchup of the season on October 26, 2025, with a score of 119-113.

In terms of player availability, the Pistons were without Taurean Prince due to personal reasons, while the Celtics missed Devin Carter due to illness. The absence of these players could have influenced the dynamics of the game.

The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had the Celtics as 1.5-point favorites, with a total set at 220.5 points. The moneyline offered the Pistons at +105 and the Celtics at -125, indicating a competitive matchup.

The game conditions were typical for an indoor basketball setting, with no adverse weather factors affecting play. Fans were treated to a thrilling contest, especially in the fourth quarter, where the lead changed hands multiple times. Key scoring plays included a 26-foot three-point jumper by Paul George, assisted by Jayson Tatum, and a crucial pull-up jump shot by Ausar Thompson, assisted by Cade Cunningham.

As the game progressed, the Pistons managed to maintain their composure in the final moments, with key free throws from Cade Cunningham and Javonte Green solidifying their lead. The Pistons' ability to execute under pressure was a notable aspect of their performance.

Overall, this game showcased the Pistons' strong start to the season and their capability to compete effectively against a formidable opponent like the Celtics.

What we said beforehand

The Detroit Pistons will face off against the Boston Celtics in their season opener on October 20, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena. Both teams enter the matchup with a fresh start, as they have yet to record a win or loss this season. This game is particularly intriguing as it features two teams with recent success, setting the stage for an exciting contest.

The Pistons have shown promising form in their last five games, winning three of them. Their most recent game was a victory against the Toronto Raptors, where they secured a close 129-125 win. Prior to that, they also defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-106. However, they did experience a couple of losses, including a tight overtime defeat to the Washington Wizards, which ended in a 114-108 score. Overall, Detroit has a record of 8-2 in their last ten games, with an average of 119.9 points scored and 108.1 points allowed. Their home record is currently 0-0, but they have been strong at home in the past, going 4-0 in their last four home games.

On the other hand, the Boston Celtics have also been in good form, winning four of their last five games. They recently triumphed over the Philadelphia 76ers in a thrilling overtime match, winning 125-120. Before that, they had a solid victory against the Charlotte Hornets, winning 114-93. The Celtics also defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-113. Boston has an impressive record of 8-2 in their last ten games, averaging 119.6 points scored and 108.4 points allowed. Their away record stands at 0-0, but they have been strong on the road, with a 3-2 record in their last five away games.

In their head-to-head meetings this season, the Celtics have a slight edge over the Pistons, leading the series 3-1. Their last encounter was on January 20, 2026, where the Pistons narrowly won 104-103 at home. Earlier in the season, the Celtics defeated the Pistons 112-105 in Boston. This rivalry has been competitive, with both teams showing they can win in close contests.

In terms of injuries, the Pistons will be without Taurean Prince due to personal reasons. The Celtics will miss Devin Carter, who is out with an illness. The absence of these players could impact the rotations and strategies of both teams.

The market has priced the Celtics as slight favorites, with DraftKings listing Boston at -1.5 on the spread. The total points over/under is set at 220.5, indicating expectations for a moderately high-scoring game. The money line reflects Boston at -122 and Detroit at +102, suggesting a competitive matchup.

As the game approaches, conditions at Little Caesars Arena will be crucial. Fans can expect an electric atmosphere as both teams look to start their seasons on a high note. Viewers should watch for how each team adjusts their strategies without key players and how the Pistons perform at home against a strong Celtics squad. The matchup promises to be a thrilling opener in the NBA season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	BOS -1.5	220.5 o -115 / u -105	Boston Celtics -125 · Detroit Pistons +105

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Taurean PrinceOutPersonalDetroit Pistons
Devin CarterOutIllnessBoston Celtics

Leaders

PointsJalen Duren22Detroit Pistons
AssistsCade Cunningham8Detroit Pistons
ReboundsAusar Thompson11Detroit Pistons
PointsPaul George38Boston Celtics
AssistsJayson Tatum11Boston Celtics
ReboundsJordan Walsh6Boston Celtics

Recent form

Detroit Pistons

Last 10: 8-2Streak W3119.9 scored · 108.1 allowed per game4-0 at home

W133-121at Indiana PacersApr 12
W118-100at Charlotte HornetsApr 10
W137-111vs Milwaukee BucksApr 8
L107-123at Orlando MagicApr 6
W116-93at Philadelphia 76ersApr 4
W113-108vs Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 2
W127-116vs Toronto RaptorsApr 1
L110-114at Oklahoma City ThunderMar 31
W109-87at Minnesota TimberwolvesMar 28
W129-108vs New Orleans PelicansMar 26

Boston Celtics

Last 10: 8-2Streak W2119.6 scored · 108.4 allowed per game3-2 away

W113-108vs Orlando MagicApr 12
W144-118vs New Orleans PelicansApr 10
L106-112at New York KnicksApr 9
W113-102vs Charlotte HornetsApr 8
W115-101vs Toronto RaptorsApr 5
W133-101at Milwaukee BucksApr 4
W147-129at Miami HeatApr 1
L102-112at Atlanta HawksMar 30
W114-99at Charlotte HornetsMar 29
W109-102vs Atlanta HawksMar 27

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
Brooklyn	-	0	-	.000	0
New York	-	0	-	.000	0
Philadelphia	-	0	-	.000	0
Toronto	-	0	-	.000	0
Boston	0.5	1	L1	.000	0
Detroit	-	0	W1	1.000	1
Chicago	0.5	0	-	.000	0
Cleveland	0.5	0	-	.000	0
Indiana	0.5	0	-	.000	0
Milwaukee	0.5	0	-	.000	0

Box score

Stat	Boston Celtics	Detroit Pistons
Field goals	40-88	39-86
Field goal %	45	45
Three-pointers	17-42	15-40
Three-point %	40	38
Free throws	16-21	28-32
Free throw %	76	88
Rebounds	39	49
Offensive rebounds	12	14
Defensive rebounds	27	35
Assists	28	27
Steals	10	7
Blocks	5	5
Turnovers	14	17
Team turnovers	0	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	17	21
Fast-break points	11	14
Points in the paint	34	44
Fouls	26	22
Largest lead	22	13
Lead changes	16	16
Time in front	59	32

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter83-78Paul Reed makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter83-79Paul Reed makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter85-79Payton Pritchard makes 15-foot two point shot (Jayson Tatum assists)
3rd Quarter85-82Isaiah Joe makes 27-foot three point jumper (Kevin Huerter assists)
3rd Quarter88-82Baylor Scheierman makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jayson Tatum assists)
4th Quarter90-82Paul George makes 4-foot layup (Derrick White assists)
4th Quarter90-84Cade Cunningham makes 15-foot step back jumpshot
4th Quarter92-84Payton Pritchard makes driving layup
4th Quarter94-84Mitchell Robinson makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Derrick White assists)
4th Quarter96-84Baylor Scheierman makes two point shot
4th Quarter96-86Ausar Thompson makes driving layup
4th Quarter96-87Ausar Thompson makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter96-88Duncan Robinson makes free throw 2 of 3
4th Quarter96-89Duncan Robinson makes free throw 3 of 3
4th Quarter99-89Derrick White makes 28-foot three point jumper (Payton Pritchard assists)
4th Quarter99-92Duncan Robinson makes 25-foot three pointer (Ausar Thompson assists)
4th Quarter99-95Duncan Robinson makes 26-foot three pointer (Cade Cunningham assists)
4th Quarter99-96Duncan Robinson makes free throw 1 of 3
4th Quarter99-97Duncan Robinson makes free throw 2 of 3
4th Quarter99-98Duncan Robinson makes free throw 3 of 3
4th Quarter99-101Javonte Green makes 23-foot running jump shot (Duncan Robinson assists)
4th Quarter99-103Jalen Duren makes running layup (Ausar Thompson assists)
4th Quarter99-104Jalen Duren makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter99-107Duncan Robinson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Daniss Jenkins assists)
4th Quarter99-109Cade Cunningham makes 15-foot step back jumpshot (Duncan Robinson assists)
4th Quarter99-112Javonte Green makes 28-foot three point jumper (Ausar Thompson assists)
4th Quarter101-112Derrick White makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot (Paul George assists)
4th Quarter103-112Jayson Tatum makes 17-foot two point shot (Paul George assists)
4th Quarter103-114Cade Cunningham makes driving layup
4th Quarter104-114Paul George makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter105-114Paul George makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter107-114Derrick White makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot
4th Quarter110-114Paul George makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jayson Tatum assists)
4th Quarter110-116Ausar Thompson makes 6-foot pullup jump shot (Cade Cunningham assists)
4th Quarter110-117Duncan Robinson makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter113-117Payton Pritchard makes 25-foot three point jumper
4th Quarter113-118Javonte Green makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter113-119Javonte Green makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter113-120Cade Cunningham makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter113-121Cade Cunningham makes free throw 2 of 2