The matchup everyone expected finally gets underway on Tuesday night when Detroit and Boston clash in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.

It took them seven games again but the Celtics stormed through the second round with a 97-92 win over Cleveland in Game 7. Paul Pierce was the saving grace for Boston with a huge 41 points in the win.

With that victory Boston improved to a perfect 8-0 at home in the playoffs, but they're only 5-3 against the spread. To advance to the finals Boston will likely need to figure out how to win on the road after going 0-6 away from TD Banknorth Garden so far in the playoffs.

Detroit eliminated the Magic in five games, despite not having the services of point guard Chauncey Billups for more than half of the series due to a strained hamstring.

Richard Hamilton made up for the absence of Billups with a strong 31 points in Detroit 91-86 win in the Game 5 series clincher. Billups has returned to practice and is expected to play in Tuesday's series opener in Boston.

Boston and Detroit met up three times during the regular season with Boston holding the edge with two wins. Detroit's lone victory against the Celtics did come in Boston, where they upset the Celtics 87-75 as a 6-point underdog in December.

Boston returned the favor with a 92-85 win in Detroit as a 2-point underdog and ripped the Pistons 90-78 as a 4-point favorite back in Boston.

The early odds at for Game 1 had the Celtics listed as a 4.5-point favorite. On the NBA title future odds. the Celtics are listed at 7/4 to capture the NBA title while Detroit checks in at 7/2.

Get the latest sports betting trends and matchup details in the PointSpread.com basketball wagering section or visit for NBA odds and fun player prop bets too.