The first tip-off of the 2026-27 NBA season takes place in Detroit this afternoon. The Celtics had a busy offseason, trading former Finals MVP Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia. Now, Boston’s new-look roster will make its nationally televised debut. On the other side, it was a quieter summer for the Pistons. Cade Cunningham and company racked up plenty of wins last season, but it didn’t lead to postseason success. Can another year of experience vault this group towards an Eastern Conference title?
Boston is a 1.5-point favorite for Tuesday’s matchup, with the total set at 219.5 at DraftKings Sportsbook. Let’s break down the two best player props for this season-opening contest, set to tip off at 3:00 p.m. EST.
Celtics at Pistons NBA Player Prop Bets
Mitchell Robinson 8+ rebounds (-131)
Paul George is the biggest name coming over to Beantown, but Mitchell Robinson could be the most impactful. The last time we saw the big man, he was securing a crucial offensive rebound during New York’s series-clinching Game 5 win in the NBA Finals. Boston, in need of a center, signed the champion to a three-year, $47.4 million dollar deal during the offseason. Robinson brings immediate rim protection and toughness down low for the Celtics. However, he earns most of his paycheck on the glass. Last season, the 28-year-old averaged a career-high 16.1 rebounds per 36 minutes.
Robinson does have some notable flaws, especially when it comes to his lackluster free throw percentage. It was easy for Knicks head coach Mike Brown to pull the center for superstar Karl-Anthony Towns when needed. The Celtics don’t have that luxury, with Neemias Queta serving as the only other viable option at center. Even if Robinson is coming off the bench, he should see a notable uptick in playing time. The Pistons are one of the NBA’s better teams when it comes to boxing out. However, this group is a bit less intimidating inside without Isaiah Stewart, now a member of the Grizzlies. During his previous eight meetings vs. Detroit, with at least 20 minutes of playing time, Robinson is averaging 8.8 rebounds per game. A similar showing wouldn’t come as a surprise this afternoon.
Duncan Robinson 3+ three-pointers made (-102)
Prior to last season, the Pistons didn’t make any groundbreaking acquisitions. However, that level of stability was an overall positive for a club that notched 60 wins. The biggest pick up for Detroit was Duncan Robinson, essentially a forgotten man to end his Miami Heat tenure. A move to Motown has helped revive the 32-year-old’s career. Over 77 games last season, Robinson averaged 12.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Even more important, he put up efficient 46/41/76 shooting splits. On a roster in need of floor spacing, he serves a vital role.
There should be opportunities from deep during Tuesday’s matchup. Granted, this is a reshaped Boston roster; there’s no telling how Joe Mazzulla’s defense will operate. Still, this team has been one of the NBA’s most generous when it comes to giving up shots from long distance. Opponents knocked down 14.0 three-pointers per game against the Celtics last season, tied for eighth-most in the association. Robinson has reached this total in two of his previous three meetings against Boston as well. Early season shooting can be a bit tricky for players still shaking off the rust. With that being said, a home game against a potentially generous perimeter defense should give Robinson a boost.
