“Two of the best teams in the East – our group is always up for the challenge.”

The Pistons improved their record to 31-10, while the Celtics are 26-16.

Western Conference leaders and defending NBA champions Oklahoma City Thunder got back to winning ways with a 136-104 victory at the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Thunder went into the game on the back of a defeat by the Miami Heat and dominated the Cavaliers as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points.

Victor Wembanyama scored 33 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs, who are second in the Western Conference, to a 123-110 home win against the Utah Jazz.

Wembanyama scored a season-high seven three-pointers in a display which also included 10 rebounds, while six other Spurs players reached double figures in points.