The Boston Celtics continued their impressive winning streak on Friday night, defeating the Detroit Pistons with ease in a 129-102 victory. Despite missing key starters, the Celtics showcased their depth and resilience, proving to be too much for a struggling Pistons team.

Boston started the game off tightly contested with the Pistons, but quickly pulled away in the second quarter with a commanding 19-5 run. Outscoring the Pistons 37-19 in the period, the Celtics built a comfortable 16-point lead and never looked back. Despite the absence of Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Al Horford, the Celtics maintained a double-digit lead throughout the second half, ultimately routing the Pistons.

Leading the way for the Celtics was Jaylen Brown, who stepped up brilliantly in Tatum's absence. Brown put on an offensive clinic, scoring a game-high 33 points on an impressive 13-of-19 shooting from the field. Not only did he excel on offense, but Brown also made his defensive presence felt, contributing a game-high four steals. This performance solidified Brown's ability to thrive as the team's primary scorer, highlighting his efficiency and impact on both ends of the court.

The Celtics also welcomed back sharpshooter Sam Hauser, who returned to the lineup after a two-game absence due to a sprained ankle. Hauser wasted no time in making his presence felt, scoring 14 points and knocking down four crucial three-pointers in just 24 minutes of play. His quick recovery from the injury bodes well for the team, although they may exercise caution and rest him for the upcoming game in Chicago.

Another player who has been making the most of the Celtics' injury-plagued backcourt is Payton Pritchard. Thriving in an increased role, Pritchard showcased his skill set once again with an impactful performance against the Pistons. With 20 points and nine assists, Pritchard played a key role in jumpstarting Boston's offense. Over the past four games, he has been averaging 19 points and eight assists per game, making a strong case for an expanded role moving forward.

With Friday night's win, the Celtics find themselves just two victories away from clinching homecourt advantage in the Eastern Conference. Their dominant stretch of eight consecutive wins has also widened the gap between them and the Thunder, as they now hold a 6.5-game lead for the best record in the NBA. This success not only positions the Celtics for a favorable playoff run, but it also presents an opportunity for much-needed rest for their regular starters leading up to the postseason.

As the Celtics prepare to take on the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night, they will aim to extend their winning streak to nine games and further solidify their place among the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.