The Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons
will kick off the 2026-27 NBA regular season (quite literally as the first game played on Opening Night) with an afternoon road tilt held at Michigan's Little Caesars Arena. The top two teams of the Eastern Conference regular season last year will square off with retooled rosters and some lingering questions about major moves and minor additions to their respective rosters.We expect a Celtics win, but both of these ball clubs ought to be near the top of the standings, so chemistry and focus may very well decide the game in either direction.
Records, standing, and streaks
At present, the Celtics have a 0-0 record ahead of the start of the regular season.
Of course, as this is the very first tilt of this year's regular season for every team,
this means the Pistons will also have a 0-0 record.
Player injuries
For Boston, only Devin Carter (illness) is out.
For Detroit, only Taurean Prince (personal reasons) is out.
Probable starting lineups
Boston
- Derrick White
- Jordan Walsh
- Jayson Tatum
- Paul George
- Mitchell Robinson
Detroit
- Duncan Robinson
- John Collins
- Jalen Duren
- Cade Cunningham
- Ausar Thompson
How to watch or stream the game
Here's when you should tune in to see the game:
- Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: NBC, NBC Sports Boston
- Live Stream: Fubo (watch for free)
Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:
Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp
iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47
YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons: Stream, lineups, injury reports, broadcast (10/20)
