After five straight wins, the Indiana Pacers have dropped two straight. Indiana will face the Boston Celtics at TD Garden for a second straight game, looking to play more competitively.
My Pacers vs. Celtics predictions expect a high-scoring matchup and another Jayson Tatum double-double.
Read more in my NBA picks for December 29.
Pacers vs Celtics prediction
My best bet
Over 233.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
For another season, the Indiana Pacers' hallmark is offense rather than defense, and I expect the Over to hit for a third straight meeting between the Pacers and Boston Celtics.
The Celtics have hit the Over in 10 of 17 games as the home favorite, and the Pacers are 6-5-1 to the Over as road dogs. Each team has hit the Over in two straight, including Friday’s matchup.
Boston ranks 21st in pace on the season, and Indiana ranks seventh. Over the last 10 games, both teams are in the Top 15 in pace. Boston’s defensive rating is seventh on the season but just 13th across the last five games. Indiana ranks 21st in defensive rating in that span.
The Pacers have allowed 116.8 points per game overall and 117.3 on the road, while the C's have allowed 109.7 points per game overall and 110.3 at home.
Boston is third in offensive rating, and Indiana is 11th this season. The Celtics have scored 119.6 points per game overall, and the Pacers have scored 114.4. Just an average offensive performance from both teams will provide a combined point total of 234, getting us to the Over.
Pacers vs Celtics same-game parlay
Over 233.5
Pacers +11.5
Jayson Tatum double-double
Indiana scored 105 points on Friday, the fewest the team has scored since 90 on December 4. I expect the Pacers to come out with a bit more firepower tonight.
The Pacers handed the Celtics their first loss of the season with a 135-132 OT victory on October 30, and that’s the type of offensive showing Indiana needs tonight. I won’t take the Pacers ML, but Indiana can surely keep this game within striking distance.
Tatum has recorded eight straight double-doubles, and I’m sure he’ll extend that streak to nine tonight. Over his eight-game double-double streak, Tatum has averaged 28.1 points and 12.4 rebounds, leading the Celtics in boards in that span.
On the season, Tatum has posted a double-double in 14 of 28 games, including eight of 15 at home.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Pacers vs Celtics odds
Pacers vs Celtics live odds
Pacers vs Celtics opening odds
- Spread: Indiana +11.5 | Boston -11.5
- Moneyline: Indiana +450 | Boston -600
- Over/Under: Over 233.5 | Under 233.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Pacers vs Celtics spread and Over/Under analysis
- Indiana has lost and failed to cover in two straight, bringing the team’s record to 15-17 straight up and 13-18-1 ATS.
- Boston has won four and covered in three of its last seven, and the team is 23-8 straight up but just 12-19 ATS.
- The Pacers have hit the Over in two straight and in 18 of 32 games this season.
- The Celtics are 2-0 to the Over across their last two but 14-16-1 to the Under on the season.
Pacers vs Celtics trend
Boston has won six of seven and seven of the last 10 head-to-head matchups with the Pacers, but Indiana is 7-3 ATS. Find more NBA betting trends for Pacers vs. Celtics.
How to watch Pacers vs Celtics
| Location: | TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts |
| Date: | Sunday, 12-29-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 6:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FDSIN, NBCSB |
Pacers vs Celtics latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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