Celtics Look to Regroup Against Red-Hot Pistons, With Injury Questions Looming
BOSTON - After a tough loss to the Bucks on Thursday, the Boston Celtics (15-10) are back home and looking to reset the tone against one of the NBA’s early-season surprises - the 20-5 Detroit Pistons. But as tip-off approaches, Boston might be down a key rotation piece: guard Payton Pritchard is officially listed as questionable with a right neck spasm.
Pritchard was on the floor for shootaround Monday morning, which is a good sign, especially since this is the first time all season he’s popped up on the injury report. The 25-year-old has been a steady contributor, averaging 16.8 points and 5 assists per game without missing a single contest so far this year. His availability could be a swing factor against a Pistons team that’s already proven it can hang with - and beat - Boston.
The Celtics continue to be without Jayson Tatum, who remains sidelined as he works his way back from an Achilles rupture suffered seven months ago. While the team has adjusted well in his absence, there’s no replacing the kind of two-way impact Tatum brings.
Frontcourt Depth Gets a Boost
There is some good news on the injury front. Chris Boucher, who missed Thursday’s game due to a non-COVID illness, is no longer on the injury report and is expected to be available. That’s a welcome return for Boston’s frontcourt rotation, especially with the physicality Detroit brings.
Amari Williams is also trending in the right direction. The rookie big man returned to action Sunday with the Maine Celtics, logging 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists in a loss - his first game action since suffering a hairline fracture in his right hand. Whether he’ll be activated for Monday’s game remains to be seen, but his presence in Maine suggests he’s close.
Ron Harper Jr., however, remains out with a right knee sprain. The G League’s leading scorer has been sidelined since last Sunday and is still working his way back.
Pistons Bring Depth, Momentum - and Cade Cunningham
Detroit comes into this one firing on all cylinders. The Pistons are 20-5 and playing with confidence, depth, and a clear identity. Everyone on their NBA roster is available, with the exception of Isaac Jones, Bobi Klintman, Wendell Moore Jr., and Tolu Smith - all of whom are currently with their G League affiliate.
This will be the third meeting between these two teams this season, and if the first two matchups are any indication, we’re in for another battle. Detroit took the opener on October 26 in their building, 119-113, while Boston got revenge a month later at TD Garden with a 117-114 win that many inside the organization viewed as one of the team’s most complete performances to date.
In that second matchup, Amari Williams logged 15 minutes in place of the injured Neemias Queta, showing flashes of what he can bring defensively and on the glass. Whether he suits up again tonight will depend on how the Celtics handle his ramp-up from injury.
Cade vs. Jaylen: Round Three
If there’s been one consistent theme in this season series, it’s been the dueling brilliance of Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Brown. Cunningham has averaged 33.5 points and 6.5 assists in the two meetings, showcasing the kind of playmaking and shot creation that’s made him the engine of Detroit’s offense.
On the other side, Brown has been just as electric, putting up 37 points and 8 rebounds per game in the series. It’s been high-level basketball from two elite wings, and Monday night promises more of the same.
Celtics guard Derrick White spoke after shootaround about the challenge ahead.
“They’ve been playing well all year,” White said. “That last game was super competitive, and I think this one’s going to be even more physical.
We’ve got to rebound - that’s been a swing factor both times we’ve played them. When we controlled the glass, we made runs.
When we didn’t, we struggled. So that’s going to be a big key.
And obviously, taking care of the ball, slowing down Cade [Cunningham], Jalen [Duren], all the great players they got.”
What to Watch
Rebounding, ball security, and transition defense - those are the three pillars Boston will need to lock in on if they want to hand Detroit just their sixth loss of the season. With or without Pritchard, the Celtics will need a full team effort to match the Pistons’ energy and depth. And if Brown and Cunningham continue their personal shootout, we could be in for another instant classic at TD Garden.