So, you're looking for the tip-off time because the schedule is a little funky this week. It happens. Between the holiday and the way the NBA stretches out the slate, keeping track of the C's can feel like a part-time job.
If you are asking what time is the celtics game tomorrow, the answer is 8:00 PM ET.
The Boston Celtics are heading into the Motor City to face the Detroit Pistons on Monday, January 19, 2026. This isn't just any regular Monday night game, though. It’s the anchor of the NBA’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day quadruple-header, which is a massive deal for the league's TV partners this year.
Where to Watch the Celtics vs. Pistons
This is where it gets a little different from your usual NBC Sports Boston routine. Since this is a national holiday showcase, the game is being broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
Basically, if you usually rely on a local cable package, you might want to double-check your login for Peacock or make sure your antenna is actually plugged in. The game is the fourth and final act of a long day of basketball that starts way earlier in the afternoon with the Bucks and Hawks.
Honestly, the 8:00 PM slot is the "main event" time for the East Coast.
Why This Specific Game Matters
It’s easy to look at a matchup with Detroit and assume it’s a cakewalk. Don't do that.
The Pistons have actually been surprisingly tough this year, sitting near the top of the Central Division with a 30-10 record. Meanwhile, our C's are 26-15 and currently sitting second in the Eastern Conference. It is a legitimate battle for seeding, not just a mid-season filler game.
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There is also the "no Jayson Tatum" factor to consider.
Tatum has been out since his right Achilles repair back in June, and the team has had to completely reinvent how they score. Jaylen Brown has been absolutely carrying the load, averaging nearly 30 points a game (29.7 to be exact, according to the latest FOX Sports tracking).
The Injury Situation
You've gotta look at the roster depth here because it’s getting thin.
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- Jayson Tatum: Still out (expected back next season).
- Kristaps Porzingis: Listed as out with left Achilles tendinitis.
- Payton Pritchard: Doubtful with ankle soreness.
- Josh Minott: Also dealing with a sprained ankle.
When you lose that much size and shooting, guys like Derrick White and Jrue Holiday have to play perfectly. White has been solid, putting up 18.1 points and over 5 assists, but asking him to defend Detroit’s Cade Cunningham for 38 minutes is a tall order.
The Atmosphere at Little Caesars Arena
Detroit fans have been waiting for a reason to be loud for a decade, and they’ve finally found it.
The Pistons are currently the 1st seed in the East. Read that again. It feels weird to say, but they are 29-10 or 30-10 depending on which live tracker you’re hitting. They play a physical, defensive style that traditionally gives Boston some headaches, especially when the Celtics rely too heavily on the three-point line.
If you are betting on the game or just watching for fun, keep an eye on the "points allowed" stat. Boston is 2nd in the league in defense (giving up about 110.1 points), but Detroit is right there at 3rd. This is going to be a grind-it-out game.
How to Prepare for the 8:00 PM Tip
If you are planning your night around what time is the celtics game tomorrow, here is the most efficient way to handle it:
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- Check your Peacock Subscription: Since this is an NBC/Peacock exclusive for the MLK Day showcase, the local Boston feed might be blacked out or redirected.
- Sync your timezone: 8:00 PM is Eastern Time. If you're catching this from out west, that's a 5:00 PM start—perfect for a post-work viewing.
- Track the Injury Report: NBA teams are notorious for late scratches. Check the official NBA injury report around 6:30 PM ET to see if Pritchard or Minott actually suited up.
- Watch the Standings: If Boston wins, they close the gap on that #1 seed. If they lose, the New York Knicks (who play at 5:00 PM tomorrow) could potentially leapfrog them.
The Celtics have shown a lot of grit this season without their primary superstar. Winning on the road in Detroit, on a national stage like MLK Day, would be a massive statement for Joe Mazzulla’s squad. Set your alarms for 8:00 PM, grab a drink, and hope Jaylen Brown has another 30-piece in him.