The catalyst for Detroit’s matinee victory, characterized by both Bickerstaff and Ausar Thompson as an “identity win,” was the momentum generated from its defensive grit during the middle quarters. Javonte Green, Isaiah Stewart and Ron Holland II jump-started the Pistons with their second-unit energy.

The Pistons led by as many as 15 points in the second half before the Celtics made a run late in the fourth quarter to trim the Pistons’ lead to three points with just under three minutes left. The Pistons responded with three straight second chance buckets on the next three possessions to help put the game away.

A starting five shakeup and a big game from Jaylen Brown couldn’t deliver the Celtics their first victory of the season. With rookie Hugo Gonzalez getting the starting nod over Sam Hauser, Boston built a commanding lead in the opening 10 minutes but couldn’t hold it in a 119-113 loss to the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.

When the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics battle it out on Sunday, the visitors could be facing some notable injury concerns beyond what we already know.

Find the latest odds, spread and score prediction for the Boston Celtics vs. Detroit Pistons NBA game on ESPN to be played on October 26, 2025 on ESPN.