Game 27 Preview: Pistons at Celtics

Brandon Bass and the Celtics will look to
avenge their loss against Detroit from November.

The Boston Celtics (12-14) are winners of two straight and look to win a third tonight when they host the Detroit Pistons (12-14).

These teams met back on November 3 in Detroit in what was an 87-77 victory for the Pistons.

The Pistons have alternated wins and losses in their last four games. They are coming off an impressive 101-96 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. Detroit was the first team to beat Indiana at home this season.

On the injury front, the Pistons' Will Bynum (hamstring), Rodney Stuckey (shoulder), and Chauncey Billups (knee tendinitis) are all questionable for tonight's game.

Meanwhile, the Celtics are fully healthy, with the only exception being Rajon Rondo. Head coach Brad Stevens said at yesterday's practice that when Rondo returns is "up to him," but he is not expected back until after the new year.

Projected lineups:

Pistons:
Brandon Jennings
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Josh Smith
Greg Monroe
Andre Drummond

Celtics:
Avery Bradley
Jordan Crawford
Jeff Green
Brandon Bass
Jared Sullinger

Keys to the game:

1. All aboard: Boston is going to seriously need all hands on the glass tonight. Detroit is one of the better rebounding teams in the league, with their two gargantuan bigs in Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe. These two are absolute beasts. After dealing with the league's leading rebounder in Kevin Love on Monday, Jared Sullinger needs to deal with Drummond tonight, who is fourth in the league in rebounding at 12.6 per game. Brad Stevens mentioned yesterday how the guards and small forwards have picked up their game on the glass during the month of December. That trend MUST continue tonight.

2. Slow down Smith: Historically, Josh Smith has not been good against the Celtics. However, he has been hot of late. He's averaging 31.5 points, 7 rebounds and has shot 57% over his last two games. Jeff Green has his hands full tonight.