Celtics vs. Pistons Prediction & Props: NBA Odds for Opening Day (Tuesday, Oct. 20)
The teams with the two best records in the Eastern Conference last season meet on Opening Day Tuesday, and my Celtics vs. Pistons prediction and props suggest the wrong team is favored.
The Celtics are a 1.5-point betting favorite, with tipoff from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit set for 3 p.m. ET (NBC, Fubo). The total is set at 221.5 (juiced to the Over).
Celtics vs. Pistons prediction & props
See all of our experts' NBA picks based on the latest NBA odds.
| Pick | Bet size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pistons +1.5 (-115 via BetMGM) | 2.3 units to win 2 units | My power ratings have these teams ranked evenly. |
| Under 221.5 (-104 via FanDuel) | 0.52 units to win 0.5 units | The Pistons ranked first in the East in defensive rating last season. |
| Jayson Tatum Over 8.5 rebounds (-114 via BetRivers) | 1.14 units to win 1 unit | The Pistons ranked 12th in the East with a 68.9% defensive rebounding percentage last season. |
Total wagered: 3.96 units | Max profit: +3.5 units
📃 Affiliate disclosure
Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
Celtics vs. Pistons prediction & best bet
Follow all of our NBA analysis and expert predictions this season.
Pistons +1.5 (-115 via BetMGM)
The Pistons finished with the best record in the East last season and ranked first in the conference with a 108.9 defensive rating. So, what has changed since then?
The Pistons are largely bringing back the exact same team, while the Celtics swapped one of their two best players, Jaylen Brown, for a 36-year-old Paul George. Now, I'm not a George hater, but let's not pretend that swapping Brown for George should make the Celtics a road favorite against the No. 1 seed in the East last season.
My power ratings have these teams ranked evenly, so I believe the Pistons should be a 1.5-point betting favorite.
Score prediction: Pistons 111, Celtics 109
Best Celtics vs. Pistons player prop bet
Jayson Tatum Over 8.5 rebounds (-114 via BetRivers)
Betting Tatum's Over on his rebounds was a cash cow at the end of last season. He ranked sixth in the NBA with a 70.6% rebound chance percentage over the final 10 games of the regular season (min. seven games played), and he has a favorable matchup Tuesday.
The Pistons ranked 12th out of 15 teams in the East with a 68.9% defensive rebounding percentage, and since they're largely bringing back the same roster, we should see more of the same this season. In the playoffs against the 76ers, who ranked 14th in the East with a 67.8% defensive rebounding percentage, Tatum grabbed 11 or more rebounds four times in six games.
Live Celtics vs. Pistons odds
Celtics vs. Pistons opening odds
- Moneyline: Celtics -115 | Pistons -105
- Spread: Celtics -1 (-110) | Pistons +1 (-110)
- Total: Over 221.5 (-110) | Under 221.5 (-110)
Celtics vs. Pistons injuries
How to watch Celtics vs. Pistons
- Date: Tuesday, Oct. 20
- Tipoff: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Little Caesars Arena (Detroit)
- TV: NBC
- Streaming: Fubo
Related Articles
