Game Preview: Avery Bradley Returns to Boston as Celtics Host Pistons
The Detroit Pistons(12-6) travel to TD Garden tonight to face the Boston Celtics(18-3). The game begins at 7:30p.m.
The biggest storyline heading into tonight's matchup is the return of Avery Bradley to Boston, where he played the first seven seasons of his career, before being traded to Detroit in the offseason in order for Boston to have enough cap space to sign Gordon Hayward. Bradley is expecting a warm welcome.
“It’s nice to be going back, but it’s just another game for me. Being there for seven years was special, but I’m just treating it like any other day.”
Bradley is having arguably the best season of his career with Detroit. He has averaged 16.8 points on 42.5 percent shooting from the 3-point line over their first 18 games. His defense and leadership have made just as big of an impact as his scoring ability has.
Detroit stormed back after trailing by 15 points in the third quarter to beat the Thunder 99-98. Andre Drummond finished the game with 17 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks after a slow first half. Russell Westbrook missed the game-winning three-point shot as time expired, to seal the deal for Detroit.
The Celtics also won in comeback fashion in their last game, taking down the Indiana Pacers, 108-98. Boston's biggest offseason addition, Kyrie Irving, scored 25 points in the win. Al Horford was fantastic, scoring 21 points, dishing out six assists, and grabbing five rebounds.
Injuries
The Pistons are likely to be without Jon Leuer again tonight, as he did not go through walkthrough this morning.
The Celtics will be without Gordon Hayward(ankle). Jaylen Brown missed Boston's last game to attend the funeral of his friend. He is likely to be back with the team for tonight's matchup.
Probable Starting Lineups
Detroit Pistons
PG: Reggie Jackson
SG: Avery Bradley
SF: Stanley Johnson
PF: Tobias Harris
C: Andre Drummond
Boston Celtics
PG: Kyrie Irving
SG: Jaylen Brown
SF: Jayson Tatum
PF: Al Horford
C: Daniel Theis
Featured Image: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports