The Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons open the 2026-27 NBA season Tuesday at Little Caesars Arena in a meeting of the Eastern Conference’s top two teams from last season. Detroit finished 60-22 as the No. 1 seed, while Boston went 56-26. The Pistons won three of four meetings between the teams.
Both sides arrive with plenty of change. Boston traded Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George and added center Mitchell Robinson. Detroit added John Collins, Isaiah Joe and Taurean Prince and re-signed center Jalen Duren. The biggest questions, though, surround the health of the two stars who define each team.
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Jayson Tatum and Cade Cunningham available for Celtics vs. Pistons
Jayson Tatum is expected to play. He carries no injury designation on the NBA’s official injury report and is fully recovered from the Achilles injury he suffered during the 2025 playoffs.
Cade Cunningham does not appear on the Pistons’ official injury report either. Detroit lists Isaac Jones and Ugonna Onyenso as out, with Prince and Elijah Harkless questionable.
Boston’s lone absence is guard Devin Carter, who is out with an illness.
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Why Tatum vs. Cunningham shapes the Celtics-Pistons opener
Cunningham led Detroit to the top seed by averaging 23.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 9.9 assists in 64 games last season.
Tatum headlines a retooled Celtics roster under head coach Joe Mazzulla, with George and Robinson joining him.
TATUM VS. CADE TODAY AT 3 PM ET TO OPEN THE 2026-27 NBA SEASON 🍿
— NBA (@NBA) October 20, 2026
Jayson Tatum, Paul George and the new-look Celtics visit Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and last year's top-seeded Pistons in the Motor City!
📺 NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/qWepJbWYeL
Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. ET on NBC. With both stars healthy, Robinson will match up with Duren in the paint as Boston tests its new core against a Pistons team trying to back up its 60-win season.
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