Key Highlights
- Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson is a solid prop target on Sunday.
- Boston Celtics are still in search of their first win of the 2025-26 season.
- The Celtics face a tough matchup against the Detroit Pistons with Jaylen Brown questionable due to injury.
- Pistons are favored at home, but Boston’s bench weakness and recent poor performance make them less likely to cover the spread.
Matchup Overview: Celtics vs. Pistons – Sunday, October 26
The Detroit Pistons face a significant challenge on Sunday when they host the Boston Celtics at Little Caesars Arena in what could be an intriguing Eastern Conference clash. The game is set for 3:30 p.m. EST and will be televised by NBC Sports Boston and FanDuel Sports Network (local).
The Celtics are still seeking their first win of the 2025-26 season, while the Pistons have already registered one victory in their inaugural match against the Houston Rockets. This matchup presents an interesting narrative with both teams looking to build momentum early in the season.
Key Players and Injuries
The Celtics are dealing with multiple injuries heading into this game. Jaylen Brown, who is questionable due to a hamstring injury, could significantly impact Boston’s performance if he doesn’t play. On the other hand, the Pistons have several players out or doubtful, including Jaden Ivey, Marcus Sasser, and Caris LeVert.
Ausar Thompson of the Pistons stands out as a potential prop target for punters.
Thompson has averaged 5.5 rebounds per game this season but showed his capabilities with nine boards in the opening game against Chicago Bulls. He could exploit Boston’s defensive weaknesses, particularly their poor rebounding and lack of rim protection.
Oddsmakers’ Perspective
The odds for this matchup are as follows:
- Celtics +3.5 (-112)
- Pistons -3.5 (-108)
- Total 224.5 (Over -115/Under -105)
The Pistons are favored at home, indicating a belief that they can cover the spread. However, Boston’s recent struggles and the potential absence of key players like Jaylen Brown make them less likely to pull off an upset on Sunday afternoon.
Prediction and Bet Analysis
Given the current form of both teams and the specific matchup considerations, Peter Dewey predicts that the Pistons should be able to cover in their home opener against Boston. Dewey’s reasoning includes:
- Boston’s bench depth is a concern.
- The Celtics are putting undue pressure on Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard.
- The Pistons have shown resilience with victories over strong teams like the Houston Rockets.
Based on these factors, Dewey recommends backing the Pistons -3.5 (-108) as they are in a better position to exploit Boston’s weaknesses.
The game promises to be an exciting matchup between two teams looking for their first wins of the season. While the Pistons have the home advantage and recent positive form, the Celtics will need to overcome multiple challenges if they hope to secure a victory against a potential playoff contender in Detroit.
