We expect the Celtics to win this contest regardless, but be on the lookout for Boston looking past their opponent.

"He's a (expletive) of a basketball player," began the Pistons coach via CLNS Media. "Again, a guy you talk about having to do certain things and having to carry the load. His scoring the way that he has (scored), his usage rate, all eyes on him defensively."

DETROIT — Late Monday night, after finishing their trip with a close loss to the Detroit Pistons, many Boston Celtics players watched the end of t he College Football Playoff championship game inside the visitors locker room at Little Caesars Arena.

Whether or not it was intended as such, star Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum having an extended workout in front of the media this week has reignited discussion of when (and whether) the St. Louis native ought to return from the Achilles tendon tear he suffered in the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum is making waves as he continues his recovery from a torn Achilles, an injury that has sidelined him since May 2025.

Tobias Harris scored 25 points and Jaylen Brown missed a jumper just before the buzzer, allowing the Detroit Pistons to hold on for a 104-103 win over the Boston Celtics in a matchup of teams with the best records in the Eastern Conference.

And that is what the Celtics coach saw in Boston's 104-103 road loss to the Detroit Pistons on Monday (Jan. 19) night. Asked what his reaction to the loss was, Mazzulla replied (via CLNS Media) that "there's 15 to 20 possessions that you have to get better at.

Sam Hauser is an elite 3-point shooter. Sure, he’s gone through some slumps, but teams know that once he gets going, it’s hard to shut his water off.