Celtics 66-16 (First in Atlantic Division)
Pistons 59-23 (First in the Central Division)
Underdogs?
The Celtics have the best record in basketball, but they lost three games to both eighth-seeded Atlanta and Cleveland, all on the road. Moreover, the “Big Three” has really been the “Big Two,” with Ray Allen averaging just 9.3 points per game in the conference semifinals.
Homebodies.
The Pistons are 5-1 at home this postseason, and the Celtics are a sterling 8-0. An airtight series could come down to intangibles, and if that intangible is homecourt, Boston has the advantage with four possible home games.
Billups back.
Denver native Chauncey Billups (strained right hamstring) is expected to return to action for Detroit in Game 1. A healthy Billups should have his way with inexperienced counterpart Rajon Rondo.
By the numbers.
6 – Consecutive appearances in the conference finals for the Pistons.
The Post’s pick.
Boston in seven.
