Expert prediction
NBA: Celtics vs. Pistons Opening Night Preview, Odds, Picks (Oct 20)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Celtics vs. Pistons odds favor Detroit by 1.5 points.
- Boston won all of its 4 preseason games.
- Pistons had a busy offseason.
The NBA season officially starts this Tuesday afternoon with a game in Michigan where the Detroit Pistons host the Boston Celtics.
Here are more NBA expert picks, with the latest odds and more info.
How to Watch
- When: Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 3:00 PM ET
- Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
- How to Watch: NBC Sports Boston, FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, NBA League Pass
Celtics vs. Pistons Odds
Game Preview
The Celtics come into this campaign with a new look. Paul George is here, and Jaylen Brown is out, which means Jayson Tatum has a new partner. Also, athletic rim protector Mitchell Robinson is in Boston, alongside veteran backup Mike Conley.
Based on the preseason results, the Cs made the transition smoothly, posting four victories during the warm-up period. Just to mention, they beat the Philadelphia 76ers twice, most recently in the last game, 125-120 OT. They played without any starters or notable names on the roster in that matchup.
As for the Pistons, they went 3-1 during the preseason. The team has plenty of newcomers, most notably John Collins, Isaiah Joe, and Taurean Prince. We also want to see the 17th overall pick, Ebuka Okorie, and his development, as he could have a solid role this year.
The team’s leading duo is still Cunningham-Duren, who played well in the preseason. With Cade as the tip of the spear and the main playmaker, this team has massive potential and is one of the top favorites to win the NBA title.
Celtics vs. Pistons Predictions
This will be the opening night of the season, featuring two offensively very potent teams. Defenses won’t be at their best right away, so we expect this matchup to end with Over 222.5 points.
- Free NBA picks for tonight: Over 222.5 points
NBA
More Predictions
Free NBA Picks Today: LeBron Comes Back Home, Blazers vs. Lakers Going Over (Nov 6)
There’s plenty of action across basketball arenas all over the United States, and we are here to deliver the best NBA picks for today, some straight up and some against the spread. NBA Cup is on the menu this Friday, with 9 games tipping off tonight. Free NBA Moneyline Pick: Celtics -345 Best Over/Under Pick: […]
NBA Expert Picks Today: Warriors ATS Against Tired Heat, Suns Beating the Magic
After an action-packed Wednesday where almost the entire league played, this NBA daily picks and predictions session will be light. There are only two games on the menu: the Suns host the Magic, and the Warriors welcome Giannis and the Miami Heat. After reading our picks for today, check out the latest NBA odds here. […]
NBA Expert Picks Today: Nets After Win No.1, Lakers and Luka Hosting the Raptors
Sunday’s NBA slate has only 4 games, but for those who love betting on basketball, that is more than enough to find profitable picks. Both LA teams are involved: Clippers against the Warriors, and the Lakers vs. Toronto, while the Boston Celtics meet the Orlando Magic in Florida. Nets are searching for their first win […]
NBA Expert Picks Today: Grizzlies Cover the Spread, Over in New Orleans
There are 7 hoop games this Saturday, October 31, and we’ve selected three NBA expert picks for our followers. Even though it generates the most attention, we didn’t pick the Thunder vs. Rockets game because we don’t want to expose bettors to any risk. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies look unstoppable as they face the sorry Kings, […]
Cavaliers vs Hawks Prediction: Back the Over in a Fast-Paced Matchup in Atlanta
NBA best bet of the day: Over 239.5 (-110) Bet Cavaliers vs Hawks at BetUS Both the Cavaliers and Hawks played last night, but neither team can use that as an excuse here. Cleveland arrives in Atlanta in great shape on a three-game winning streak, while the Hawks have hit a rough patch after a […]