Preview: Celtics at Pistons, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 DETROIT (Interstat) — A surging Detroit Pistons squad will host the Boston Celtics in a key Eastern Conference matchup Monday night at Little Caesars Arena. The Pistons (29-10) enter with one of the NBA’s best records and have won eight of their last 10 games. They are coming off a 108-105 home victory over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, anchored by center Jalen Duren’s 16-point, 18-rebound performance. Duren has been a force, averaging a double-double over his last seven contests and providing a dominant interior presence. Boston (25-15) arrives after a hard-fought 119-114 road win over the Miami Heat on Thursday. The Celtics have been inconsistent lately, alternating wins and losses over their past six games. Guard Anfernee Simons, who erupted for 39 points against Miami, will be a primary focus. Simons is averaging 18.9 points per game in January, though his scoring output has fluctuated. The season series favors Detroit, which has won two of the three meetings. Most recently, the Pistons defeated the Celtics 112-105 in Boston on Dec. 15. The Celtics’ lone win came Nov. 26, a 117-114 home victory. Monday’s game presents a stark contrast in styles. The Pistons’ success is built on defense and rebounding, led by Duren. The Celtics rely more on perimeter scoring, with Simons and Jaylen Brown, who had 27 points against Miami, leading the charge. Containing Duren on the glass and limiting second-chance opportunities will be critical for Boston. For Detroit, maintaining its defensive intensity while managing Boston’s explosive backcourt will be the challenge. The Pistons have held opponents under 100 points in three of their last five home games. The outcome could hinge on whether Boston’s shooters can find a rhythm on the road against a top-tier defense, and if Detroit can control the paint as it has for much of the season. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.