Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers Preview
The Celtics (-276) will host the Pacers (+221) at TD Garden in a 7:30 ET tip-off. Boston is favored by 7 points over Indiana. The over/under line for this Eastern Conference matchup is 241.
Indiana has won three straight games and is currently 6th in the East at 27-20. Boston (36-11) is 1st in the conference and 1st in the Atlantic Division.
Check out BetCoco for Boston Celtics – Indiana Pacers odds
Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers Head-to-Head and Key Stats
The Pacers and Celtics did not have any head-to-head matchups last season. But over the last three times playing each other, the Pacers have a record of 2-1. The Pacers also had the edge vs. the spread in these games, at 2-1. These games averaged a combined total of 238 points per game leading to an over/under record of 1-2.
- When looking at their past five road matchups, Indiana has an ATS record of 2-2-1 while averaging 113 per game. The team went 1-4 overall in these games.
- Across their last five home contests, Boston has been good against the spread posting a mark of 3-2. Their overall mark in these games was 4-1, while averaging 117 points per game.
- Indiana has done well both straight up and vs the spread as the underdog, going 3-2 SU and 3-2 ATS in their last five games.
- In their last three games as the betting favorite, the Celtics have a straight up record of 2-1, while going 1-2 against the spread.
Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers Prediction
Indiana’s ATS record for the season is 26-19, and they have covered the spread in their last two games as the underdog. As the underdog, the Pacers are 15-12 on the season, and they are 16-9 vs. the spread on the road.
The Pacers are 3-point underdogs today and have gone 15-12 as the underdog this season. On average, they have been outscored by 3.2 points per game as the underdog.
In their last game, the Pacers beat the Grizzlies by a score of 116-110. The O/U line for that game was 228.5, and Indiana was favored by 8 points going into the game.
Indiana’s O/U record for the season is 28-19, and their games have averaged 247.6 points per game. Today’s O/U line is set at 241 points.
The Pacers are currently 6th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 27-20. In the Central Division, they are in 3rd place. Indiana has won three straight games.
When it comes to scoring, the Pacers are the top-ranked team in the NBA, averaging 124.8 points per game. This season, they have outscored the NBA scoring average in 72.3% of their games. On the road, Indiana is averaging 122.5 points per game.
Indiana’s offense is built on their ability to get to the rim. They lead the NBA in two-point field goal percentage at 58% and are also the top-ranked team in overall field goal percentage. In terms of pace, the Pacers are 3rd in the league.
So far this season, the Pacers are 1st in assists per game, averaging 31.1. In terms of three-point shooting, Indiana is 5th in three-point percentage and 6th in made threes per game.
Coming into the game, the Pacers will be looking to improve their defense, as they are currently giving up 122.8 points per game (28th). On two point field goal attempts, the Pacers’ defensive unit is allowing a field goal percentage of 56.9% and allowing 37.5% from beyond the arc.
The Celtics have a record of 36-11, which is the best in the Eastern Conference. In games against other Eastern Conference teams, they are 24-6 and 12-5 against the West.
Boston has won four straight games on the road and is 15-9 on the road this season. Their ATS record on the road is 10-13, compared to 12-10 at home.
This season, the Celtics are 22-23 against the spread and have failed to cover in their last three home games. As the favorite, their ATS record is 20-22 and they have lost two straight games vs. the spread.
In their last game, the Celtics beat the Pelicans by a score of 118-112. The O/U line for that game was 234.5, and they were favored by 8 points going into the game.
Boston’s O/U record for the season is 23-24, and their last two games have gone under the posted totals. On average, their games have finished with 230.9 points.
When it comes to scoring, the Celtics are one of the most prolific three-point shooting teams in the league, leading the NBA with 16.2 made threes per game. However, they are just 15th in free throw attempts and 19th in assists.
At home, Boston is averaging 121.5 points per game compared to 119.0 on the road. Overall, they are 5th in the NBA in scoring at 120.2 points per game.
Heading into the game, the Celtics have outscored the NBA scoring average in 70.2% of their games. They have also hit 37% of their three-point attempts, which is 4th in the league.
Coming into the game, the Celtics defense has held opposing team’s to fewer points than the league average in 27.7% of their games. Currently, they are 4th in the NBA at 110.7 points per game allowed. Opponents are hitting 52.4% of their two-point field goal attempts this season, and they’re also connecting on 34.5% of their three-point attempts.
Even though they are considered 7-point underdogs, our projection points to a 115-114 win for the Pacers.
Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers Betting Tips
- We like the Pacers on the moneyline (+221)
- The Pacers are also our pick on the spread at +7
- Our NBA model projects 229 points, and we suggest taking the under
Boston Celtics Injury Report
- Kristaps Porzingis – Ankle – Questionable
- Luke Kornet – Hamstring – Questionable
Indiana Pacers Injury Report
- Myles Turner – Back – Questionable
- Jalen Smith – Low Back – Questionable
- Tyrese Haliburton – Hamstring – Questionable
- Bennedict Mathurin – Toe – Questionable
