Cade Cunningham fuels Pistons’ NBA Finals aspirations ahead of pivotal clash with Celtics
Cade Cunningham is steering clear of the conversation surrounding win streaks and historical milestones, yet the reality is hard to ignore. The Detroit Pistons find themselves in the midst of a remarkable winning streak, and Cunningham has made a concerted effort to shift the focus away from personal accolades and toward the ultimate prize—the Larry O’Brien trophy. As the Pistons gear up for a significant matchup against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, they are riding the momentum of a hard-fought victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Cunningham sets his sights on the Finals
In a recent sit-down with ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill, Cunningham articulated his priorities heading into the Celtics game. When asked about the possibility of capturing the MVP award, his response underscored his commitment to team success over individual glory. “This season is not about winning an MVP for me. This season is about winning a Finals, more than anything,” he stated. Such leadership reflects the maturity expected from the second-year guard out of Oklahoma State.
Head coach Bickerstaff’s impact
Under the guidance of head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who previously honed his skills coaching the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Pistons are embracing a winning culture. Bickerstaff’s approach is tailored to harness the potential of this young squad, and with just two seasons under his belt in Detroit, he stands on the brink of making franchise history.
Game details and viewing information
The Pistons will take on the Celtics at an early start time of 5:00 PM Eastern, broadcast live on ESPN and the FanDuel Sports Network in Detroit. This matchup marks the first meeting between the two teams this season, as they compete in the NBA Cup group stage. Currently, the Pistons hold second place in their group, albeit with one less game played than the leading Orlando Magic. The Celtics, meanwhile, sit fourth in the same group, struggling with a record of one win and two losses.
Predictions and betting landscape
As the Celtics hover just outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture with a 9-8 record, the Pistons have surged to the top with 15 wins against only two losses. However, ESPN Analytics remains cautious, assigning the Pistons a 46.3% chance of victory against the Celtics, particularly in the absence of star forward Jayson Tatum. The Celtics are led by 2024 NBA Finals MVP candidate Jaylen Brown, who is averaging 27.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. The betting odds reflect a tight contest, with FanDuel listing the Pistons as three-point favorites.
Looking ahead
Should the Pistons secure their 14th consecutive regular-season win, they will not only extend their streak but also etch their name in franchise history for the longest regular-season win streak. Following this crucial game, they will return home to face the Orlando Magic, potentially looking to further solidify their standing in the Eastern Conference.
