The Boston Celtics remained undefeated at home with a game 1 victory over the well-rested Detroit Pistons. Usually after a long layoff, the biggest concern for a team is the rest-or-rust factor. For Detroit, they were completely oxidized. They came out in the first quarter with absolutely no intensity, as they fell behind early, and the Celtics never relinquished. SBGglobal.com has the Boston Celtics a -4 point favorite against the Detroit Pistons (+4) with the Over/Under set a combined 172 total points.

The Boston Celtics came out strong in game 1, with a ruckus Boston Garden crowd behind them. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce both had very good games. KG finished with 26 points, 9 boards, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal. While Pierce contributed to the cause with 22 points of his own. In these 2008 Playoffs, the Celtics are 9-0 at home, but 0-6 on the road. 

For Detroit, it was a very uncharacteristic performance. Even though they starter off very slow, they picked it up a bit at the end; a classic case of too-little-too-late.

They were outscored in the 1st and the 3rd quarter, by a much aggressive green team.

Veteran PG Chauncey Billups was also a non-factor in game 1. Coming off an injured hamstring in the Cleveland series, Billups never really looked right as he finished the game with 9 points in only 3-6 shooting, and only 2 assists in 31 minutes played. The high point man for the Detroit was Tayshaun Prince with 16 points, followed by McDyess’ 14.

In the O/U for game 1, the Pistons and the Celtics scored a combined 167 total points, UNDER the projected 174.

My NBA Eastern Finals Prediction: DET+4

Bonus Prediction: OVER 172

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