Pushed to seven games in each of the first two rounds, against Atlanta and Cleveland, the Celtics remained unbeaten on their home floor in the post-season after nine contests.

Boston is trying to advance to the NBA finals for the first time since 1987.

Tayshaun Prince scored 16 points and Richard Hamilton 15 for the Pistons, who are into the East finals for a sixth straight year. Antonio McDyess added 14 points and 11 rebounds for Detroit.

Chauncey Billups, who missed the final two games of Detroit's second-round playoff series with Orlando with a strained right hamstring, was held to nine points.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series will be Thursday night in Boston.