Boston
Celtics
56-26
Spread
-1.5
NBA Predictions
Boston Celtics vs Detroit Pistons Predictions
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 3:00pm EST at Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
@
Detroit
Pistons
60-22
Spread
+1.5
50%
50%
Spread
Boston Celtics -1.5
Detroit Pistons +1.5
Moneyline
Boston Celtics -125
Detroit Pistons +105
Total
Over 220.5 (-110)
Under 220.5 (-110)
Professional Picks
10 listed
Professional Picks On This Game
Rich Roth
Total pick
Kit Wilson
Spread pick
Garrett Perry
Spread pick
Garrett Perry
Total pick
Poppi Logan
Total pick
Tanner Edwards
Spread pick
Tanner Edwards
Total pick
PJ Breid
Spread pick
Justin Long
Total pick
Marshall Dax
Spread pick
Celtics vs. Pistons Prediction: Boston Favored in Close Opener
Analysis updated October 20, 2026 at 7:03 AM CDT
The market gives Boston a narrow edge, while Detroit’s 60-win season and success in last year’s series support a pass at the current price.
Detroit presents a tough opening test
Boston begins the 2026-27 season at Detroit on October 20. SPF lists the Celtics at -122 on the moneyline and -1.5 against the spread, with the Pistons at +102 and +1.5.
Basket USA, a French basketball publication, reports that Detroit finished 60-22 and first in the Eastern Conference last season, while Boston went 56-26 and placed second. Detroit also won three of the four regular-season meetings. Those results make Boston’s short road price less appealing, even though the market rates the Celtics as the likelier winner.
Availability limits the betting case
The NBA injury report lists Boston guard Devin Carter out with an illness. Detroit’s Taurean Prince is questionable for personal reasons, while Elijah Harkless is questionable and Isaac Jones and Ugonna Onyenso are out under G League two-way designations.
No probable starters or current-season performance data are available for this opener. That leaves too little evidence to justify Boston at -122, Detroit at +102, or either side of the 220.5 total. The listed 50-50 betting split is a default figure rather than a measured public position, so it doesn’t strengthen a wager.
Pick
Boston Celtics
Confidence
low
Betting lean
Pass