Detroit is 5-3 since acquiring Blake Griffin. The Pistons are tough up front now with Griffin and Andre Drummond. But their backcourt is weaker minus traded Avery Bradley and with Reggie Jackson sidelined.

The Celtics can exploit this. Boston gets back defensive ace Marcus Smart from injury and astute Brad Stevens has had more than a week to game plan. I consider Stevens the top coach in the Eastern Conference.

Even if the Pistons are improved following the Griffin trade - and that can't be fully determined yet - they still are a borderline playoff team at best and they hold a losing record. Boston is two levels higher than Detroit and is in the discussion for being the best team in the East.

The Celtics limped into the All-Star break having lost three straight home games. I expect Stevens to right the ship following the long break.

The Pistons are playing in their new Little Caesars Arena, but their homecourt advantage is overrated. They have failed to cover in 11 of their last 13 home contests. Boston has covered in its last four visits to Detroit.