As they get set to meet on Monday night, here are three reasons the Pistons and Celtics are atop the Eastern Conference.

The Boston Celtics are currently second in the Eastern Conference and could get Jayson Tatum back in the near future

The Celtics have listed four players on their injury report, including starting guard Payton Pritchard, who missed his first game of the season against the Atlanta Hawks.

The Detroit Pistons weren't supposed to be the top team in the Eastern Conference. The Boston Celtics were supposed to be in a transition year after shedding salary last offseason.

After Boston's blowout of the Hawks this weekend, Mazzulla was asked what striking the balance in terms of coaching style was given this dynamic and its outcomes for Boston. "It's just a balance of toughness and grace," offered the Celtics coach via CLNS Media. "It's just a long season."

Sam Hauser is an elite 3-point shooter. Sure, he’s gone through some slumps, but teams know that once he gets going, it’s hard to shut his water off.

The veteran center would significantly improve the Boston Celtics center rotation while also adding depth to the rotation

The Celtics need some additional talent at the center position, or someone who can play both the four and the five. Of course, Mazzulla must also prepare for the eventual return of Jayson Tatum, whether that be this season or next. Tatum is currently sidelined due to an Achilles tendon injury.