Celtics v. Pistons, Part Deux

It's not often that an early season game in an 82 game schedule takes on any significance in the NBA these days, but Saturday night's game may just be one of them.

On Saturday night, the Detroit Pistons will host the Boston Celtics in what many are predicting will be a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals, and at the least, will be a great game between two teams with the best records in the league right now.

The Pistons took them out last time these two met a few weeks ago and I am not ashamed to admit that nothing would make me happier than to see the Pistons take them out again. Anything that will slow down untested hype is a positive in my book.

Both teams look pretty good. I had the opportunity to watch a full Celtics game recently and I must admit that they are operating well on all cylinders, outside of just the "Big 3" with good play from Eddie House, Tony Allen and Rajon Rondo. They had a good west coast swing, including a win over the always tough Utah Jazz. The Pistons have also found their offense that seemed to have disappeared earlier in the season a few times, and they are playing consistent basketball again.

If the Pistons lose their offense, I wouldn't expect them to win against the Celtics who have multiple scoring options - at least one of whom typically has a good game - but if they can play like they've been playing as of late, I don't see the Celtics beating them. The Celtics have more to gain by winning this game, since the Pistons have already proven that they are capable.

My prediction: Pistons 89, Celtics 85