Detroit (1-0) defeated Boston (0-1), 121-113, Tuesday on opening day of the 2026-27 NBA season at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.
Former Tennessee men's basketball player Chaz Lanier did not play for the Pistons due to a coach's decision.
Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren shared high scoring honors for Detroit as both totaled 22 points. Cunningham recorded eight assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block, while Duren finished with nine rebounds, one assist one steal and one block.
Javonte Green had 19 points for the Pistons, who trailed by as many as 22 points in the third quarter. Detroit next plays Friday versus Miami. Tipoff is slated for 8 p.m. EDT at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.
Boston's Paul George led all scorers with 38
points in his debut for the Celtics and set a franchise scoring record for a player making his debut with the team. He converted 12-of-21 field goal attempts, 7-of-12 three-point attempts and 7-of-8 free throw attempts. Jayson Tatum posted a double-double as he finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Derrick White had 17 points for the Celtics.
During his rookie season in Detroit, Lanier appeared in 34 games. He averaged 7.7 minutes, 2.4 points, 0.7 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 0.2 steals per contest.
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: NBA opening day: Former Vol does not play in Pistons-Celtics game
