Indiana Pacers vs Boston Celtics Prediction
| Game Time | 7:30 pm EST |
| Indiana Pacers Line | +11 |
| Boston Celtics Line | -11 |
| Total | 232 |
| TV: | NBA TV |
Below is a detailed analysis for Indiana Pacers vs Boston Celtics game.
PREGAME WARM-UP:
Two Eastern Conference squads on opposite trajectories lately are clashing in this matchup, when the Boston Celtics are hosting the Indiana Pacers. The Celtics are coming off their first back-to-back losses of the season, as they have been steadily the second-best team in the East. Boston is playing their second consecutive home game, as they are looking to bounce back after an unexpected home loss by Philadelphia on Christmas Day. On the other hand, the Pacers are on their best stretch of the season, as they have won five consecutive games, but they are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
Indiana Pacers vs Boston Celtics Prediction
Boston Celtics Injury Report: Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday are day-to-day.
Indiana Pacers Injury Report: Aaron Nesmith, Isiah Jackson and James Wiseman are out.
Boston Celtics Form and Trends
The Celtics have a 22-8 record this season and are sitting on the second place of the East. Boston is 11-19 against the spread and 13-16-1 in over/under. The Celtics have a 11-5 home record but are just 5-11 against the spread, with a +6.9-point differential. Boston is 1-3 in their last 4 games, and just 2-7 against the spread in their last 9. Under is 5-1 in their last 6 games.
Boston is coming off a 114-118 loss by Philadelphia on Christmas Day, as they shot with 45% from the field and just 62% from the free-throw line. Jason Tatum led Boston’s offense with 32 points, adding 4 assists and a game-high 15 rebounds.
Tatum leads Boston in scoring this season, with an average of 29 points, adding 9.5 rebounds and a team-high 5.6 assists. Jaylen Brown adds 23.8 points, 6 rebounds and 4.7 assists.
Indiana Pacers Recent Form and Trends
The Pacers have a 15-15 record this season and are tied with the Hawks on the 7th place of the East. Indiana is 13-16-1 against the spread and 16-13-1 in over/under. The Pacers have an 8-4 home record, and are 5-6-1 against the spread, with a +1.9-point differential. Pacers are 6-1 in their last 7 games and are 6-1 against the spread. Under is 6-1-1 in their last 8 games.
The Pacers are coming off a 111-105 win in Golden State, as they held the Warriors into just 43% shooting from the field. Six Indiana players scored double figures, including all five of their starters. Myles Turner led the Pacers offense with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
Pascal Siakam leads the Pacers in scoring with 20.1 points, adding 7 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Tyrese Halliburton adds 17.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and a team-high 8.8 assists.
Statistical Breakdown
Offensively, the Celtics are 4th-best in the NBA with 118.4 points per game. They shoot 45.6% from the field (20th) and 36.5% from beyond the arc (16th). Defensively, they allow 109.8 points per game, which is 6th in the league.
Offensively, the Pacers are averaging 114.8 points per game, which is 10th in the league. They shoot 49% from the field, which is the fourth-best in the NBA, and 37.6% from beyond the arc (7th). Defensively, the Pacers allow 115.9 points per game, which is just 22nd in the league.
In their previous meeting earlier this season, the Pacers won 135-132 in overtime at home. The Celtics are 5-1 in their last 6 meetings, but the Pacers are 5-1 against the spread. Over is 6-1 in their last 7 meetings.
Prediction
In this Indiana Pacers vs Boston Celtics Prediction, the Celtics are coming as -11 home favorites. The Celtics are rightfully favored as they are the better team, but they are on a mini-slump right now, and have been the worst covering team in the East, and the fourth-worst in the whole league. The Pacers are playing their second game in two nights, so it is hard to pick a side. Both teams have been involved in some lower scoring games lately, as they are 11-2-1 to the under in their last 14 games combined. Both teams are playing excellent defense lately, even the Pacers, who are just 22nd in the league this season, so I’m expecting a lower-than-expected scoring game. Take the under the point total. Nick’s Free Pick: Under 232
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