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Boston Celtics facing unknown territory with upcoming Pistons game
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- Boston Celtics facing unknown territory with upcoming Pistons game
BOSTON — The Celtics went through an entire season being circled on the schedule by opposing teams last year. That’s what life was like as defending champions: The C’s were often used as a litmus test.
But as the Celtics navigate a new season with a new roster, they next face unknown territory. While the C’s have been around the .500 mark this year, their next opponent, the Pistons, have soared to the top of the East standings. Detroit comes into the 5 p.m. Wednesday game on a 13-game losing streak, boasting a 15-2 record, led by All-NBA guard Cade Cunningham .
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“They’re playing well,” Derrick White said. “I think we came in knowing that the mentality would be a little different. But, I mean, they’re playing really well, playing probably one of the best teams in the NBA. It’s a great challenge, a great opportunity and stuff that you look forward to.”
While the Pistons were considered an up-and-coming team going into the season, they just keep winning despite enduring some injuries. They’re expected to be close to full strength Wednesday. The Celtics could be shorthanded after Neemias Queta sprained his ankle in the win over the Magic on Sunday, though his status is uncertain for now.
Regardless, the Celtics are now the ones going up against a team at the top of the standings. The C’s have had their moments this year as they still have a top-10 net rating in the NBA. But they’ve also had down games, like last week’s loss to the Nets . That adds up to a team that’s hovered around the .500 mark for a reason.
It’s also an interesting shift between the two teams. Two seasons ago, the Pistons visited Boston as one of the worst teams in the NBA. Detroit had dropped 27 straight games at that point, but the Pistons shocked everyone when they took a 19-point halftime lead. The Celtics still won that game in overtime, sending the Pistons to an NBA-record 28th straight loss.
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Now, the Pistons look like an East contender for years to come. The Celtics have taken a step back this season, though part of that is missing Jayson Tatum . It’s an interesting perception shift as the teams meet in Boston.
“We should be out of our comfort zone,” C’s coach Joe Mazzulla said. “A new group playing a different way on both ends of the floor with a completely different roster. And then you’ve got a group of guys that are, in my opinion, doing a great job of it. They’re learning how to be consistently good in the NBA every single night.”
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