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Boston Celtics: Top Eastern Teams Show Down

By Joshua Bateman

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 30: The Boston Celtics are seen during the National Anthem before the game against the San Antonio Spurs on October 30, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 30: The Boston Celtics are seen during the National Anthem before the game against the San Antonio Spurs on October 30, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The top Eastern Conference teams are showing down as the Boston Celtics face the Detroit Pistons

Many people would have have expected this after the first two games of the season but the Boston Celtics are meeting the Detroit Pistons with the two best records in the Eastern Conference. It is tough to tell which is more surprising at this point, but they are both proving that this start is not just a fluke.

There is a good chance these teams could meet in the playoffs, and they are both far from anything anyone has seen in previous years. They both want to get a feel for each other, so they can be as prepared as possible when it matters most.

The Celtics and Pistons are quite evenly matched when it comes to scoring. Neither of them have really been elite yet, but have proven they can hold their own against good competition. The biggest difference is the defensive edge for the Celtics, and it is nothing new for them to expect their defense to be the difference.

The biggest obstacle for the Celtics in this one is going to be Andre Drummond, who is back to looking like one of the best young centers in the NBA. Drummond is a massive contrast to anything the Celtics have. Aron Baynes is the only one that can match his traditional size, and it will be a lot harder for the Celtics to get the rebounding edge.

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Rebounding and the interior has been vital to the Celtics’ success this season, and Drummond is always going to be a problem is that area. The Celtics really do not have anyone that can individually matchup, so they are going to have to force the Pistons to make the adjustment.

Drummond is a problem, but the Celtics have done a great job of handling size despite the smaller front court. The Celtics do not have that one top big that can handle him physically, but they have all the wings and guards to make up for that. The Celtics are going to try and make Drummond as uncomfortable as possible, and if that is the case then they will be in a great position.

The Celtics will also be looking to continue their best offensive stretch of the season. The Pistons are too good to beat without a strong defensive performance, but it would be a great sign to see the offense take over against top competition.

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This could be one of the most important matchups of the season in the Eastern Conference, and both of them will look to find that first advantage, and get one of the most important victories so far this season.

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