Final: Celtics 129, Pistons 102 - Shorthanded C's still roll to eighth straight win

BOSTON CELTICS at DETROIT PISTONS

7 p.m. - NBCS Boston

Line: Boston -14.5

INJURIES

Boston: Sam Hauser (PROBABLE AVAILABLE, ankle), Jrue Holiday (OUT, shoulder), Jaylen Brown (QUESTIONABLE AVAILABLE, ankle), Jayson Tatum (QUESTIONABLE OUT, ankle), Kristaps Porzingis (QUESTIONABLE AVAILABLE, hamstring), Al Horford (QUESTIONABLE OUT, toe)

Detroit: Simone Fontecchio (OUT, toe), Taj Gibson (OUT, hamstring), Quentin Grimes (OUT, knee), Isaiah Stewart (OUT, hamstring), Ausar Thompson (OUT, illness), Stanley Umude (OUT, ankle)

LAST TIME

Celtics 119, Pistons 94 - March 18

The Celtics got balanced scoring in the first but the Pistons were able to hang around thanks to a 10-0 bench points advantage. Derrick White and Jaylen Brown helped Boston get some separation in the second and a 13-point halftime lead. The Pistons hung around until mid-way through the third quarter and Boston turned it on for a game-breaking run. White notched his first career triple-double in the win.

THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR

1. Derrick White, number one option? I’m not sure how the injury stuff will pan out, but I’m sure at least one of the questionable guys will sit, maybe more. So let’s give the keys to White and let him run some of the Tatum actions. This could be a valuable bit of information for the coaching staff. Mixing in some offense with Tatum and Brown as decoys while White runs the main actions could be a nice curveball for a few postseason possessions. 

2. Xavier Tillman: He has already done some impressive things defensively, and it seems like he’ll have a role in the postseason. I’m assuming at least one of Horford or Porzingis sits this out with the back-to-back tomorrow, so this could be a great chance for more reps to get him more comfortable. 

3. Sam Hauser's return? He’s listed as probable, which is great news. Let’s see if he can pick up where he left off or whether that ankle will impact his shooting at all. 

Follow along with my thoughts as the game goes on. They’ll show up below and in the comments section, so hop in and share your opinion as well.