The Indiana Pacers are off to an electric start in 2024 with three splashy wins, but they’ve got a tough test on deck tonight against the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics.
With Tyrese Haliburton putting on a nightly point guard clinic, the Pacers are looking like a threat for a Top 4 finish and they crushed the Hawks 150-116 last night on the heels of back-to-back victories over the Bucks.
That won’t faze this Boston team though. The Celtics, sitting at 27-7, cruised to a 126-97 victory over the Jazz yesterday behind 30 points from Jayson Tatum — and they’ll be looking for payback here too after losing to Indiana in the In-Season Tournament quarterfinals.
Read on for a closer look at tonight’s matchup in my free NBA picks for Celtics vs Pacers.
Celtics vs Pacers odds
Celtics vs Pacers predictions
The NBA MVP odds race is shaping up to be a battle between Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic once again, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fighting his way into the mix.
There’s not much noise around Jayson Tatum joining that conversation, but he’s putting up terrific numbers on a Boston Celtics team boasting the best record in the league.
Tatum is filling the stat sheet as more than just a scorer, even if that’s still what he does best. He’s averaging 27 points per game and he’s on pace for a career-high field goal percentage.
However, his scoring prop tends to feel a little shakier this season while surrounded by so many capable scorers. Instead, I’m taking the Tatum rebounds prop tonight.
He continues to shine in that category and he’s off to a good start in January, with nine rebounds against the Jazz last night and 13 boards in the loss to OKC on Tuesday.
Al Horford was rested in yesterday’s win over Utah and the Celtics might be careful with Kristaps Porzingis’ minutes in a back-to-back setting. That paves the way for Tatum to clean the glass.
Boston is going to need to pack the paint against Tyrese Haliburton’s drives and I’m counting on Tatum to come down with at least nine rebounds tonight.
My best bet: Jayson Tatum Over 8.5 rebounds (-105 at SIA)
Celtics vs Pacers same-game parlay
Jayson Tatum Over 8.5 rebounds
Tyrese Haliburton Under 24.5 points
Pacers +5.5
Haliburton is on a tear but he runs into Boston’s stellar backcourt here, with Jrue Holiday and Derrick White rightly considered the NBA’s premier defensive guard duo.
I expect that pairing to shut off some of Haliburton’s paths to the hoop, forcing him to dial up his playmaking more than his scoring. That makes the Under on his points prop an attractive pick.
With the Pacers putting up monster totals over the past week, they’re an interesting home underdog tonight and their up-tempo style is probably the last thing the Celtics want to see on the second night of a back-to-back set.
I’m not ready to be as bold as picking the Indiana moneyline here, but I like getting a chunk of points with a generous spread.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Best NBA bonuses
All Users
No-sweat 3+ leg SGP every day
Bonus bets back if your wager doesn’t win! Claim Now
New Users
Get up to $1,500 bonus bets back
If your first bet doesn’t win! Claim Now
Eligible USA locations only. Also, see our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2024.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Celtics vs Pacers spread and Over/Under analysis
The Pacers have won six in a row, but the NBA odds aren’t ready to trust them yet against a heavyweight opponent like the Celtics, who’ve gone 8-2 in their last 10 games.
Even after outlasting Boston in the In-Season Tournament quarterfinal here at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana is a 5.5-point underdog tonight. While Boston should be at full strength, the hosts are sweating on injuries to Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard.
The visitors are 7-3 in the last 10 meetings between these teams, but the Pacers are 6-4 ATS in those contests.
Boston landed a blowout win over a Haliburton-less Indiana in early November, but the In-Season Tournament matchup is a better gauge of the type of game we’ll get tonight.
That battle fell well short of the Over/Under line, which was set at 245.5, just as it is here.
As always with Indiana, it will come down to whether its defense can hold up. The Pacers allow the second-most points per game in the league, and they may be short on options to cover Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
🕒Vermont: Sports betting is coming!🕒
Vermont sports betting will launch on January 11 — but you can pre-register now with FanDuel and DraftKings!
Check out the best Vermont sports betting apps (as more brands launch in the Green Mountain State), as well as the best Vermont sportsbook promos!
21+ and present in VT. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Celtics vs Pacers betting trend to know
This Indiana offense knows how to put up points. The Pacers have cashed their team total Over in 41 of their last 58 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Pacers.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Celtics vs Pacers game info
| Location: | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN |
| Date: | Saturday, January 6, 2024 |
| Tip-off: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NBCS-Boston, Bally Sports Indiana |
Celtics vs Pacers latest injuries
Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the 
to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
