Pistons Defeat Celtics in Close Encounter at TD Garden
Monday, December 15, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · TD Garden
Detroit Pistons 112, Boston Celtics 105, 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 Detroit Pistons vs Boston Celtics?
Detroit Pistons beat Boston Celtics 112-105 at TD Garden on December 15, 2025.
Who was favored in Detroit Pistons vs Boston Celtics?
Boston Celtics were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -118 (about 54% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup at TD Garden, the Detroit Pistons emerged victorious over the Boston Celtics with a final score of 112-105. This result marks the Pistons' third consecutive win, enhancing their impressive away record to 22-5, while the Celtics' home record now stands at 15-12.
The game was significant not just for the win but also for the ongoing series between these two teams, with Detroit leading the series 3-1 after this encounter. The Celtics had previously defeated the Pistons in their last meeting on November 26, 2025, but were unable to replicate that success this time around.
In terms of recent form, both teams had shown strong performances leading up to this game. The Celtics had a record of 7-3 in their last ten games, averaging 120.9 points scored and allowing 114.2 points per game. However, they were coming off a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks just four days prior. Conversely, the Pistons also held a 7-3 record in their last ten games, with a scoring average of 120.8 points and an average of 115.1 points allowed. They entered the game on a three-game winning streak, showcasing their offensive prowess.
At home, the Celtics had been strong with a 4-1 record in their last five games, while the Pistons had a slightly less favorable away record of 3-2 in the same span. The Celtics had averaged 123.4 points scored and allowed 110.4 points in their last five games, indicating a potent offense despite their recent loss.
Injury concerns loomed over the Celtics as Jayson Tatum was listed as day-to-day due to a knee issue. His potential absence could have impacted the Celtics' performance, especially in a critical game against a strong opponent like the Pistons.
The betting market reflected a close contest, with DraftKings listing the Celtics as 1.5-point favorites, with a total set at 231.5 points. The odds indicated a competitive matchup, with the Celtics having a moneyline of -118 and the Pistons at -102.
The game conditions were typical for a December evening in Boston, with a lively atmosphere at TD Garden. Fans were treated to a showcase of talent, particularly from Pistons' Cade Cunningham, who played a pivotal role in securing the win with crucial scoring plays in the fourth quarter.
As the game progressed, the fourth quarter proved decisive. Derrick White made an 8-foot two-point shot to narrow the gap, but Tobias Harris responded with two free throws, extending the Pistons' lead. Cunningham continued to shine, making a series of critical shots that kept the Celtics at bay. Despite White's efforts with a three-pointer, the Celtics could not close the gap, and the Pistons sealed their victory with free throws from Duncan Robinson.
Overall, this matchup highlighted the competitive nature of the NBA, with the Pistons demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure and the Celtics facing challenges as they look to regain their form.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BOS -1.5 | 231.5 o -112 / u -108 | Detroit Pistons -102 · Boston Celtics -118 |
Injury report
- Jayson TatumDay-To-DayKneeBoston Celtics
Leaders
- PointsJaylen Brown34Boston Celtics
- AssistsJaylen Brown7Boston Celtics
- ReboundsJaylen Brown8Boston Celtics
- PointsCade Cunningham32Detroit Pistons
- AssistsCade Cunningham10Detroit Pistons
- ReboundsTobias Harris7Detroit Pistons
Recent form
Boston Celtics
Last 10: 7-3Streak L1120.9 scored · 114.2 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L101-116at Milwaukee BucksDec 12
- W121-113at Toronto RaptorsDec 7
- W126-105vs Los Angeles LakersDec 6
- W146-101at Washington WizardsDec 5
- W123-117vs New York KnicksDec 3
- W117-115at Cleveland CavaliersNov 30
- L115-119at Minnesota TimberwolvesNov 29
- W117-114vs Detroit PistonsNov 26
- W138-129vs Orlando MagicNov 23
- L105-113vs Brooklyn NetsNov 22
Detroit Pistons
Last 10: 7-3Streak W3120.8 scored · 115.1 allowed per game3-2 away
- W142-115vs Atlanta HawksDec 13
- W124-112vs Milwaukee BucksDec 7
- W122-116vs Portland Trail BlazersDec 6
- L109-113at Milwaukee BucksDec 4
- W99-98vs Atlanta HawksDec 2
- W138-135at Miami HeatNov 30
- L109-112vs Orlando MagicNov 29
- L114-117at Boston CelticsNov 26
- W122-117at Indiana PacersNov 25
- W129-116at Milwaukee BucksNov 23
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
Box score
| Stat | Detroit Pistons | Boston Celtics |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 41-89 | 38-82 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 13-36 | 10-39 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 26 |
| Free throws | 17-25 | 19-27 |
| Free throw % | 68 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 30 |
| Assists | 21 | 16 |
| Steals | 9 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 3 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 3 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 38 |
| Fouls | 20 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 12 |
| Lead changes | 15 | 15 |
| Time in front | 43 | 51 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter73-72Jaylen Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter75-72Caris LeVert makes layup (Jaden Ivey assists)
- 3rd Quarter76-72Caris LeVert makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter76-73Jaylen Brown makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter78-73Ronald Holland II makes driving layup (Jaden Ivey assists)
- 3rd Quarter78-75Jaylen Brown makes tip shot
- 3rd Quarter78-76Jordan Walsh makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter78-77Jordan Walsh makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter81-77Caris LeVert makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jaden Ivey assists)
- 3rd Quarter81-79Anfernee Simons makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot (Jaylen Brown assists)
- 3rd Quarter83-79Jaden Ivey makes 2-foot two point shot (Caris LeVert assists)
- 3rd Quarter85-79Caris LeVert makes 2-foot dunk
- 3rd Quarter85-81Jaylen Brown makes 5-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter87-81Ausar Thompson makes 3-foot layup (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 4th Quarter89-81Cade Cunningham makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter89-83Jaylen Brown makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter91-83Tobias Harris makes 10-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter91-84Jaylen Brown makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter91-85Jaylen Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-85Isaiah Stewart makes dunk
- 4th Quarter93-87Anfernee Simons makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter93-90Derrick White makes 29-foot three point shot (Payton Pritchard assists)
- 4th Quarter96-90Cade Cunningham makes 26-foot three pointer (Duncan Robinson assists)
- 4th Quarter96-92Derrick White makes 13-foot two point shot (Payton Pritchard assists)
- 4th Quarter96-93Derrick White makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter98-93Caris LeVert makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter101-93Javonte Green makes 24-foot three point jumper (Caris LeVert assists)
- 4th Quarter103-93Javonte Green makes 1-foot dunk
- 4th Quarter103-94Anfernee Simons makes technical free throw
- 4th Quarter103-97Jaylen Brown makes 26-foot running pullup jump shot (Derrick White assists)
- 4th Quarter104-97Tobias Harris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter104-100Derrick White makes 26-foot three point shot (Anfernee Simons assists)
- 4th Quarter104-102Derrick White makes 8-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter105-102Tobias Harris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-102Tobias Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-102Cade Cunningham makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter108-105Derrick White makes 26-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter110-105Cade Cunningham makes 15-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter111-105Duncan Robinson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter112-105Duncan Robinson makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Boston Celtics, below favours Detroit Pistons.
Venue
- TD GardenBoston, MA
- Attendance19156
- OfficialsEric Dalen, Nick Buchert, Jenna Reneau
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- Pistons Secure Victory Over Celtics in Season OpenerOct 20, 2026
- Pistons Edge Celtics in Thrilling FinishJan 19, 2026
- Celtics Edge Pistons in Close Contest at TD GardenNov 26, 2025
- Pistons Edge Celtics in Close Contest at HomeOct 26, 2025