Celtics face staunch test tonight at home against the twin tower Pistons
Detroit is coming off a huge win in Indiana on Monday handing the Pacers their first loss at home this season.
The Pistons were also only the second team to defeat the Heat in Miami at home besides the Celts earlier in the month.
In the Indiana game Detroit dominated the boards out rebounding the Pacers 55-40. Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond combined for 10 offensive rebounds in the game and Drummond had 6 offensive boards in only just over twenty minutes.
Detroit also had advantages of 22-14 on second-chance points and 44-38 in the paint. This is no small task considering the Pacers with Roy Hibbert are the best interior defensive team in the league.
Monroe and Drummond are both extremely young and talented and make the Pistons look as though they could be contenders in the east in a few short years.
Monroe is 23 years old and a true center from Georgetown in the tradition of Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo and Alonzo Mourning.
He is averaging 15 points and nine rebounds in 34 minutes per game.
Drummond is a mere 20 years old and is already one of the best rebounders in the league grabbing just over twelve and a half rebounds in just under 33 minutes per.
He also averages just over 13 points, but, does have his shortcomings, shooting a unenviable 38 percent from the line.
The Celts are coming into the game off of a nice win over the T-Wolves at TD Garden, 101-97.
The Celtics were paced in that win by Jared Sullinger who had 24 and 11 and has been playing some great ball as of late.
Boston also received a nice 19 point contribution from Avery Bradley who has been bringing it for the C's as of late as well.
The Celtics come into tonight's game having won 5 of 7 in the month of December including 4-5 at home.
My prediction:
Although, the C's have been playing great at home the Pistons frontline is just too much for Boston.
Pistons: 98 Celtics: 93
Game notes:
Both team's enter tonight's contest with a record of 12-14
Detroit
In the past two games, Josh Smith has averaged 30.5 points and 23.0 shots.
Boston
Look for Jeff Green to have a big game considering he's only had 8 points in each of his last two games.
Please leave your own thoughts and predictions on tonight's game in the comments below.
Follow Clint on Twitter @coolhandc
