The Boston Celtics will head into Monday night’s high-stakes clash against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena with some uncertainty, as starting guard Payton Pritchard is listed as questionable with left ankle soreness.
This marks Pritchard’s first potential absence of the season after he missed Saturday’s dominant 132-106 win over the Atlanta Hawks. Baylor Scheierman started in his place and performed well, hitting three three-pointers and contributing to Boston’s blowout victory.
Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics
Here’s the full injury report and what to know ahead of the battle between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference (Pistons 30-10, Celtics 26-15):
Celtics Injury Report for Monday vs. Detroit
Payton Pritchard – Left ankle soreness – QUESTIONABLEJosh Minott – Left ankle sprain – OUT (missed 8 straight games)Chris Boucher – Low back spasms – QUESTIONABLE (out of rotation since late November)Jayson Tatum – Right Achilles repair – OUT (ongoing rehab)
The Pistons enter the game with a clean injury slate — no players listed on their report.
Why Payton Pritchard’s Status Is a Big Deal
Pritchard has been a key piece of Boston’s success this season, averaging 16.6 PPG despite some early-season efficiency struggles. His ability to create his own shot, knock down threes, and provide secondary playmaking has been critical — especially with Tatum sidelined.
He’s had strong moments against Detroit already:
21 points and 10 rebounds in an October loss16 points on 50% shooting in a late-November winStruggled (5-14 FG) in the most recent December matchup
If Pritchard cannot go, Baylor Scheierman is expected to start again. Scheierman filled in admirably against Atlanta and could be asked to provide spacing and energy once more.
Pistons vs. Celtics: A Battle of the East’s Best
Monday’s game pits the No. 1 seed Pistons (30-10) against the No. 2 seed Celtics (26-15) — a true heavyweight clash. Detroit has been the surprise team of the East, winning six of their last 10 and riding a two-game winning streak. The Celtics have exceeded all expectations without Tatum, winning seven of their last 10 and also on a two-game streak.
The season series currently favors Detroit 2-1, with all three games decided by seven points or fewer:
October: Pistons win by 6November: Celtics win by 3December: Pistons win by 7
Monday is the fourth and final regular-season meeting — the winner will hold the season-series advantage heading into the second half.
What Pritchard’s Absence Would Mean
Losing Pritchard would hurt Boston’s spacing and secondary creation, but the Celtics proved Saturday they can win big without him — Jaylen Brown dropped 41 points, and Sam Hauser erupted for 30 points on 10 threes.
However, Detroit is a much tougher challenge than Atlanta. The Pistons boast one of the league’s best defenses and a deep, talented roster. Pritchard’s shooting and off-dribble creation would be valuable against Detroit’s disciplined schemes.
If Pritchard sits, Boston will lean even more on Brown, Hauser, and Anfernee Simons offensively, while Scheierman and the bench must provide consistent energy and production.
Payton Pritchard’s left ankle soreness makes him questionable for Monday’s massive Eastern Conference showdown.
Boston proved it can win big without him against Atlanta, but Detroit presents a far more difficult test. The Celtics will evaluate Pritchard closer to tip-off and make a final decision.
Monday tips off at 8 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBC — a pivotal game between the East’s top two teams. The winner will carry major momentum and bragging rights into the second half of the season.
If Pritchard plays, Boston has its full starting lineup for one of the biggest games of the year. If not, they’ll need another strong collective effort to keep pace with the East’s best.
Celtics Nation — this one could be a classic. Get ready!