Pistons (17-7) at Celtics (20-2) 12/19

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Detroit Pistons (17-7) at Boston Celtics (20-2)
Wednesday, December 19
7:00 PM ET
Game #23, Home Game # 13
TV: ESPN, CSN HD, TV 20 Detroit HD
Sirius Radio 114
TD BanknorthGarden




Probable Starters

PG: Rajon Rondo PPG 8.8 | APG 5.3 | SPG 1.7
SG: Tony Allen PPG 4.3 | APG 1.4 | 3P% .375
SF: Paul Pierce PPG 21 | RPG 5.3 | APG 5.1
PF: Kevin Garnett PPG 18.9 | RPG 10.5 | BPG 1.6
C: Kendrick Perkins PPG 7.1 | RPG 4.9 | BPG 1.4

Off the Bench:
Eddie House, Scot Pollard, James Posey, Leon Powe, Big Baby Davis, Gabe Pruitt

Injuries
None


Probable Starters

PG: Chauncey Billups PPG 17.8 | APG 7.5 | SPG 1.2
SG: Rip Hamilton PPG 17.4 | APG 4.5 | 3P% .421
SF: Tayshaun Prince PPG 14.4 | RPG 5.3 | APG 3.1
PF: Antonio McDyess PPG 10.7 | RPG 7.8 | BPG 0.7
C: Rasheed Wallace PPG 13.2 | RPG 6.9 | BPG 1.3

Off the Bench
Jason Maxiel, Arron Affalo, Linsdey Hunter, Jarvis Hayes, Amir Johnson, Premo Brezec, Walter Hermann

Injuries
Rodney Stuckey, Hand, out



Key Matchups
vs
Paul Pierce PPG 21 | RPG 5.3 | APG 5.1
Tayshaun Prince PPG 14.4 | RPG 5.3 | APG 3.1
Prince is one of the premier defenders in the league and will give Pierce problems. Pierce has been doing a little of everything for the team and I expect to see him continue that while making Prince work on the defensive end as well.

vs
Rajon Rondo PPG 8.8 | APG 5.3 | SPG 1.7
Chauncey Billups PPG 17.8 | APG 7.5 | SPG 1.2
This will be a big test for Rondo as he faces one of the best PGs in the league.

Game Notes
This is going to be the biggest test for the Celtics yet. The Pistons have an incredibly balanced attack and excellent chemistry. They have been together for years and have won championships. They have to be considered the favorites in this.

The Celtics have been winning with defense and will need to continue to play that tough defense against the Pistons. Meanwhile, the Pistons play very good defense themselves and the Celtics have had trouble against teams that defend them well. They are going to have to beat the Pistons defense while not letting up on theirs.

If the Celtics win this one, it will put to rest a lot of questions about the Celtics and alot of the criticism about the Celtics not having played any of the top teams. If they lose this one, it will just increase the questions.

A win in this game would set the franchise record for best start ever. With the Spurs loss at home, the Celtics remain the only undefeated team in the league. Hopefully the crowd will be pumped up and give the Celtics a real home court advantage.