May 19, 2008 Paul Pierce: Celtics might be the underdog now Play video

(NECN: Waltham, Mass.) - Sometimes, rest can make you restless. That seems to be the message from the Boston Celtics. Paul Pierce says the team has gotten into a rhythm of playing every other day, a rhythm that will continue in this series.

The Celtics took two of the three games between the clubs this season, including a win someplace where the Green have found wins tough to come by - on the road. But players say the long series shouldn't have an impact on Boston. Pierce says he is excited to bring a new spirit of rivalry between Boston and Detroit, rekindling the battles of the 1980s.

But he noted that maybe this time around, Boston could be considered the underdog, considering the playoff experience the Pistons have had in recent seasons. The Celtics are still getting their first playoff experience as a unit, while the Pistons are coming into the conference finals for the sixth straight year.