Celtics vs. Pistons: NBA Prediction, Picks and Prop Bets (Opening Day)

Celtics vs. Pistons Top Bets at a Glance

• Cade Cunningham Over 8.5 Assists (-136)
• Celtics Moneyline (-112)

The 2026-27 NBA season kicks off today at 3 p.m. ET in the Motor City as the Pistons host the Celtics.

Both sides look different than they did a year ago, especially Boston.

Which NBA odds from FanDuel Sportsbook look like the best bets for today’s game? You can also check out our player news page to stay up to date with injury news.

Please note lines are subject to change throughout the day after this article is published. Bets in this article may be pulled from our other NBA content.

Celtics vs. Pistons Picks, Props and Prediction

Cade Cunningham Over 8.5 Assists (-136)

Cade Cunningham enters the season coming off a monster year as the Detroit Pistons‘ primary offensive engine, and his assists prop looks like a good place to start Tuesday's card.

Cunningham averaged 9.9 assists per game in 2025-26, the second-highest mark in the NBA (behind only Nikola Jokic). He piled up 634 assists across 64 appearances and averaged 33.9 minutes per game, so an 8.5-assist line gives us some breathing room relative to his season-long production.

The matchup at home against the Boston Celtics isn't enough to scare me away as Cade had 10 and 14 dimes over his last two meetings with Boston in 2025-26.

Detroit's offense revolves around Cunningham creating advantages off the dribble, and the Pistons have plenty of finishers around him, including Jalen Duren at the rim and shooters such as Duncan Robinson and Isaiah Joe on the perimeter.

If Cunningham plays his normal workload in a competitive opener, he should have opportunities to reach nine assists.

Celtics Moneyline (-112)

Despite finishing just 44-38 a year ago, Boston had excellent underlying numbers, ranking second in offensive rating (120.8), fourth in defensive rating (112.7), and fourth in net rating (+8.1). The Celtics also played at the NBA's slowest pace, which helped them allow a league-low 107.2 points per game.

Now, Jayson Tatum is fully back after missing most of last season while recovering from his Achilles injury, and his preseason work provided plenty of encouragement. Tatum averaged 21.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.5 steals across his two preseason appearances while shooting 48% from the field and 39% from three.

Detroit was a difficult matchup for Boston last season, winning three of their four meetings, but three of those games were decided by six points or fewer. Boston's only two trips to Detroit resulted in six- and one-point losses.

Time will tell what the blockbuster Paul George-Jaylen Brown move means for this Boston squad, but I think the Celtics will still be one of the top teams in the East.

With Tatum back alongside Derrick White and a Celtics team that still profiles well at both ends of the court, I like Boston to get a season-opening road win over Detroit.

NBA Opening Day Promo!

Get a 50% Profit Boost Token to use on ANY wager for any NBA Games on October 20th, 2026! See here for full terms and conditions.

NBA Betting Frequently Asked Questions

What is the point spread in NBA betting?

The point spread is a handicap applied to the favored team to level the playing field. For example, if the Lakers are -6.5 against the Celtics, the Lakers must win by 7 or more points for a bet on them to pay out. A bet on the Celtics wins if Boston wins outright or loses by 6 points or fewer.

What does the moneyline mean in NBA betting?

A moneyline bet is a straight-up wager on which team wins — no spread involved. Odds use American format: a favorite is listed with a minus sign (e.g., -180), meaning a wager of $180 would win $100. An underdog carries a plus sign (e.g., +155), meaning a $100 bet would return $155 profit.

What is an over/under (total) bet in the NBA?

FanDuel will set a projected combined score for both teams. You bet whether the actual total points will go Over or Under that number. For example, if the total is 224.5, an Over bet wins if both teams combine for 225 or more points.

What are NBA player props?

Player prop bets focus on individual statistical performances rather than game outcomes. Common NBA props include points scored, rebounds, assists, three-pointers made, steals, and combined stat lines (e.g., Points + Rebounds + Assists). You bet whether the player goes Over or Under the sportsbook's posted line.

New customers can get up to $350 in Bonus Bets — guaranteed — when you bet $5 every day for seven days. Place your first wager now! See here for full terms and conditions. Learn about today's other offers at FanDuel Sportsbook Promos.

Looking for the latest NBA odds? Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook and check out all of the NBA betting options.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Daily Fantasy today!

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.