Pistons-Celtics Preview

The fans at TD Banknorth Garden will be treated to a postseason game between the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics when they take their seats on Thursday night.

NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Celtics listed as 4½-point favorites versus the Pistons, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

Kevin Garnett went for 26 points and nine rebounds as the Celtics defeated the Pistons 88-79 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday night.

Boston covered as 4.5-point home favorites as the teams played under the 174-point total set by oddsmakers.

Paul Pierce scored 22 points, grabbed six boards, and dished out six assists for the Celtics, who got 11 points and seven assists from Rajon Rondo in the payday.

Tayshaun Prince netted 16 points for Detroit, while Richard Hamilton chipped in with 15 points and six rebounds for the Pistons.

Team records:
Detroit: 59-23 SU, 46-35-1 ATS
Boston: 66-16 SU, 52-28-2 ATS

Detroit most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 8-2
After playing Boston are 8-2
After a loss are 8-2

Boston most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 1-9
Before playing Detroit are 6-4
After playing Detroit are 3-7
After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games on the road
Detroit is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
Boston is 12-3 ATS in its last 15 games at home

Next up:
Detroit home to Boston, Saturday, May 24
Boston at Detroit, Saturday, May 24

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