Since last season, the one thing the Boston Celtics aren’t used to is being second. They had a stellar opportunity to cut down the lead built by the Cavaliers, who had started 15-0. However, when the two top teams clashed, the Shamrocks’ seven-game winning streak came to an end. Since then, they pulverized the Miami Heat yesterday, and are now turning their eyes to the Detroit Pistons.

In prior seasons, this would be a matchup that doesn’t elicit worry. Yet, Detroit has begun to find its identity, playing with bravado, led by Cade Cunningham. So far, being 9-14, the former ‘Bad Boy’ franchise has been the artist behind several upsets this season.

Notably, until the loss to the Bucks today, the Pistons side was undefeated in the NBA Cup. On paper, however, it’s hard to fault the Celtics lineup regardless of the team they are put up against. However, are they all healthy ahead of their game against the Pistons?

Boston Celtics could be down 2 key players; Cade Cunningham returns

Speaking of availability, the Celtics have significant impact makers that may not suit up against the Detroit Pistons. The franchise ace and MVP candidate Jayson Tatum is listed as “questionable” suffering from a right patella tendinopathy.

He chose to play with the ailment in the win against the Miami Heat. But with a busy schedule awaiting, Joe Mazzulla might opt for some timely rest for JT, who has played every game of the season thus far.

Defensive specialist Jrue Holiday also shares the same status as Tatum. Unlike his teammate, Holiday didn’t appear against the Heat, suffering from a left knee tendinopathy. He could miss his second straight game as well. While that does deplete the Celtics of two starters, the roster has a fully healthy backcourt with Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis both recovering from their injuries. Moreover, Sam Hauser, who missed the game against the Heat for personal reasons, is also expected to be back.

The Pistons, on the other hand, have a relatively short injury report compared to their rivals. Cade Cunningham, who didn’t participate against the Philadelphia 76ers, marked his return tonight. Having suffered a hip injury against the Pacers, the frontal star for the franchise is expected to be an instrumental contributor tomorrow.

The only injury for the Pistons is a long-term absence. Rookie forward Bobi Klintman has been suffering from a right calf injury since the beginning of the season. He will miss his 20th straight game as the injury turned out to be much more severe than the initial diagnosis. There is no timetable for his return.

Starting lineups and depth charts: Celtics vs Pistons

Despite missing out on Jayson Tatum, the Celtics have a lot of their cavalry making a return against the Pistons. The chances of an upset are slim. However, without Tatum, the Shamrocks’ leading scorer, it could pose a slight challenge for the defending champions.

Do you think the Pistons have a chance to win? Let us know your views in the comments below.