A new NBA season begins with two Eastern Conference powers standing at the same starting line: 0-0. On Tuesday afternoon, the Boston Celtics visit the Detroit Pistons, and the first game brings a big question with it. Can Detroit turn last season’s 60-win surge into a deeper playoff run, or will Boston’s rebuilt group quickly show it still belongs near the top?

The Pistons were the East’s top team last regular season, winning with speed, strength, and a busy defense. They scored almost 118 points a game, but their real spark came from creating chaos. Detroit averaged more than 10 steals, or takeaways, each night. Those steals can turn one strong defensive play into a fast-break dunk at the other end.

Cade Cunningham is the player who organizes that storm. At 6-foot-8, he sees over smaller defenders and can use a screen from a teammate to drive, pass, or pull up for a shot. His nearly 10 assists per game last season showed how often he put teammates in position to score. Detroit added Duncan Robinson and John Collins to give Cunningham more space. Robinson races around screens to find open three-pointers, while Collins can soar for a pass near the rim or step outside to shoot.

That extra room could also help Jalen Duren begin a powerful new chapter. The All-Star center averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while making 65 percent of his shots. He is a thunderous finisher and a major force around the basket. Yet Boston will bring a giant obstacle in 7-foot center Mitchell Robinson, a shot blocker and strong offensive rebounder. The battle for loose balls near the rim may decide who controls the game’s rhythm.

Boston arrives with a new shape, but Jayson Tatum remains its central figure. He returned from an Achilles injury last season and still averaged 10 rebounds in 16 games. Now farther removed from that injury, the 6-foot-9 forward has the chance to lead with his scoring, passing, and size. Ausar Thompson may draw the toughest job against him. Thompson collected two steals a game last season and uses his long arms and quick feet to bother top scorers.

The Celtics also have clever guards who can change a game in a flash. Derrick White makes sharp decisions with the ball and even blocks shots from the guard spot. Payton Pritchard provides quick outside scoring, while Paul George gives Boston another tall wing who can create difficult shots. Boston took care of the ball better than Detroit last season, committing fewer turnovers, so White’s calm play could be vital against the Pistons’ pressure.

This opener is a clash between Detroit’s rising core and Boston’s experienced new leaders. The Celtics have enough talent to make every run dangerous, but Detroit has more continuity, a home floor, and last season’s stronger record. Prediction: the Pistons will win a fierce season opener.

Cade Cunningham and Jayson Tatum Start a New East Race in Detroit