The Pacers are set to face the Boston Celtics on Saturday, Jan 6. The game is scheduled for 7:00 ET while airing on NBCS. Boston enters this game as 6-point favorites with the total set at 248. How will this one play out? Let’s dive into the Pacers vs Celtics players props and predictions below.
Pacers vs. Celtics Odds
- Spread: Celtics -6
- Total 248
Game Info
- Date: Saturday, Jan 6
- Time: 7:00 ET
- Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis IN
- TV: NBCS
Celtics Betting Trends
- Over their last five games, the Celtics have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.
- When looking at their past ten road matchups, Boston has an ATS record of 4-6 while averaging 122 per game. The team went 5-5 overall in these games.
- The Celtics have played well in their last three games as the betting favorite, going 2-1 straight up and 2-1 against the spread.
Pacers Betting Trends
- In their last five games, the Pacers have an over/under record of 4-1 and are 4-1 vs. the spread.
- In their last five home games, Indiana has averaged 115 points per game while allowing 115. The team’s record in this stretch was 3-2 while going 3-2 vs. the spread.
- Through their last three games as the underdog, the Pacers have an ATS record of 3-0 and a straight up mark of 3-0.
Will the Celtics Make it Happen on the Road?
As the Celtics prepare to take on the Pacers, they have a 27-7 record and are looking to stay above .500. When playing on the road this season, the Celtics are 10-7 compared to their 17-0 record at home.
The Celtics are scoring 121 points per game this season and are coming off a game where they put up 126 points. Jayson Tatum was the team’s leading scorer with 30 points and Kristaps Porzingis added 19 points in the game.
On the season, the Celtics are giving up 110.4 points per game, which is 3rd in the NBA. In their last five games, they have been even better, holding opponents to just 113 points per game, which is 10th in the league over that span.
One area where Boston has been particularly strong is at the free-throw line. On the year, they are giving up just 19.3 made free-throws per game, which is 1st in the NBA.
For the season, opponents are shooting just 44.9% from the field against the Celtics, which is 3rd in the league. Over their last five games, they have been even better, holding teams to just 45.1% shooting.
Is a Home Win Possible for the Pacers?
When looking at the Pacers record of 20-14, it is clear that they are above .500. Specifically, they are 11-7 at home and 9-7 on the road.
In their most recent game, the Pacers scored 150 points on 63.8% shooting and made 19 threes. Overall, the Pacers are averaging 102.7 possessions per game and are 2nd in field goal attempts. On the season, they are shooting 51% from the field.
So far this season, the Pacers have been one of the worst defensive teams in the league, ranking 29th in points allowed per game at 124.4. At home, they have been slightly better, giving up 121.0 points per contest, which is 27th in the NBA.
Indiana has been able to force turnovers, ranking 10th in steals per game at 7.8. They have also been one of the best shot-blocking teams in the league, ranking 2nd in blocked shots per game.
One area where the Pacers have excelled defensively is defending the three-point line. They are 1st in the NBA in three-point shooting percentage allowed at 37.6%. On the season, opponents have made just 10.7 threes per game against Indiana.
Pacers vs. Celtics Player Props
When looking at a player prop for this game, Tyrese Haliburton has a points prop of 24.5 with both the over and under paying out at -115.
Our projections have Tyrese Haliburton finishing with a stat line of 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 11 assists. As for his points prop, we like the under at 24.5.
- The Prop: Tyrese Haliburton Under 24.5 Points (-115)
Pacers vs. Celtics Predictions
Coming in as the underdogs at +6, we have the Pacers as the way to go on the point spread. Not only do we have them covering, but our projections show they have a good one of winning this one straight-up, if you’re looking for a higher payout on the moneyline.
As for the over/under, the line is currently at 248, and our model projects the Celtics and Pacers to reach a combined total of 232 points. Our bet is on taking the under.
The Pick: Pacers +6 | at Fanduel Sportsbook