After a much-needed break, the NBA is back in full swing as the Boston Celtics take on the Indiana Pacers tonight.
With the Celtics' top-notch talent led by superstar Jayson Tatum, I'm expecting them to elevate their level of play and secure an easy win.
Find out your best options with our free NBA betting picks and predictions for the Pacers vs. Celtics on February 23.
Celtics vs Pacers best odds
Celtics vs Pacers picks and predictions
Jayson Tatum has been an exceptional player for the Boston Celtics in his six-year tenure, quickly becoming one of the top players in the league. Like many teams in the NBA, the Pacers simply do not have the means to stop him.
In Boston's first matchup with the Indiana Pacers back in December, it was evident that Indiana had no answers for Tatum. He scored an impressive 41 points on 52% shooting, showcasing his vast array of abilities by making 11 free throws, four 3-pointers, and 13 shots overall.
Tonight, with ample rest, Tatum is poised to wreak havoc on the Pacers once again. Indiana may try to counter with a lineup featuring Buddy Hield at small forward, but this is a mismatch that favors Tatum.
Hield — standing only 6-foot-4 — is significantly smaller than the 6-foot-8 Tatum, who will have no trouble finding his sweet spots on the court.
Tatum has consistently dominated the Pacers, averaging 28.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in four games last season. The Pacers lack the perimeter athletes necessary to keep up with his scoring ability on all three levels.
Indiana has a poor defense that is currently ranked 23rd in defensive rating. The Pacers' unit should be expected to struggle tonight, particularly when attempting to slow down one of the league's best scorers.
Tatum's O/U for points tonight is set at 29.5 — a mark he has surpassed in seven of his last 10 games. The superstar forward is a strong finisher and will come out looking hungry.
My best bet: Jayson Tatum Over 29.5 points (-105)
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Celtics vs Pacers spread analysis
The Celtics are significant 8-point favorites over the Pacers entering tonight's game, which is understandable given that both teams are coming off the All-Star break with ample rest. The Celtics hold a 33-26 record against the spread for the season, while the Pacers sit at 31-29 ATS.
The Celtics' 117.9 points per game are only 0.8 more points than the Pacers allow (117.1), but when Boston scores more than 117.1, they are a dominating 22-7-2 ATS and 29-2 straight up.
Additionally, the Pacers currently average 114.5 points per game, and Boston is 24-9-1 ATS and 28-6 overall when they allow fewer than 114.5 points.
Nevertheless, the Pacers face a significant challenge in keeping up, as they do not possess an offense or defense that is near the same level as the Celtics. Boston is the NBA's third-ranked scoring team, while Indiana comes in at just 22nd in that department.
In my view, the Celtics will dominate this game from the outset. We already know what Tatum can do, but Indiana will have to try and contain maybe the most lethal one-two punch in the entire NBA, with Jaylen Brown being a huge matchup problem as well.
Brown's ability to score, defend and create matchup problems with his athleticism is just another key element to this game that heavily favors Boston.
Celtics vs Pacers Over/Under analysis
The last game between these two teams resulted in the Under cashing by just three points.
While I expect the Celtics to score a lot tonight, it remains to be seen whether Tyrese Halliburton can match his impressive 33-point performance from their previous matchup. His ability to produce for Indiana will be a critical factor in determining the outcome of this game.
Some interesting trends to consider are that the Celtics have hit the Over in each of their last four games, and the Over is also 5-1 in the Pacers' last six games against teams with a winning record.
In a league that already heavily favors the offensive side of the ball, I'll side with the Over tonight.
Celtics vs Pacers betting trend to know
Boston is 7-1 ATS in its last eight games. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Pacers.
Celtics vs Pacers game info
| Location: | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN |
| Date: | Thursday, February 23, 2023 |
| Tip-off: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Bally Sports Indiana, NBC Sports Boston |
