It’s an encore to the overtime thriller from two nights ago as the Boston Celtics visit the Indiana Pacers. Taking into account the latest news, stats, and injury reports, Indiana is an underdog on the NBA betting lines thanks to a slew of absences. But the Pacers hold some value against Boston, which struggles on the road.
Boston Celtics (20-21) vs Indiana Pacers (15-26)
Freefall Continues
After upsetting the shorthanded Utah Jazz, the Indiana Pacers went right back to losing. With their overtime loss at Boston, the Pacers dropped to 3-10 in their last 13 games. Being without guards Malcolm Brogdon and T.J. McConnell, as well as star swingman Caris LeVert, have hurt.
However, Indiana is not exactly tanking despite all the reports that the team is looking to “blow it up.” The Pacers are 6-4 against the spread (ATS) in their last 10 games, including five in their last six. Indiana is losing plenty of close games – six of their last seven losses were by eight points or fewer.
Running by the metrics, the Pacers have been doing things decently enough to be better than their record. They break even on the point spread (21-19-1) and have an expected win-loss of 20-21. With a 12-10 home record, the Pacers may be worth a bet online as a dog.
Celtics Get Homesick
After starting the season with a 4-2 road record, Boston has lost 11 of its last 14 road games. On a six-game losing streak, the Celtics have not won on the road since Dec. 4 when they blew out the shorthanded Portland Trail Blazers.
In fact, Boston has not beaten a team above .500 (at the time they played them) at home since the Miami Heat on Nov. 4. Boston has hovered around the average in terms of both offense and defense while also dealing with a slew of injuries, namely to Jaylen Brown.
Now back at full strength (or close to it), the Celtics have little to no excuses. Boston re-upped during the offseason and is supposed to have some form of a renaissance, but that has hardly been the case. Still, this is a “glass is half-full” team.
Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers Head to Head
| Boston | Stat | Indiana |
| 8-2 | Record | 2-8 |
| 6-3-1 | Point Spread | 3-6-1 |
| 5-5-0 | Over/Under | 5-5-0 |
| 107 | Average Score | 102.9 |
| 52.8 | Half Time | 52.1 |
Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers Game Information
- Date: Wednesday
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
- Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers Live Stream: NBA Game Pass
Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers Betting Lines
| Boston | Indiana | |
| -150 | Moneyline | +125 |
| -3
(-110) |
Point Spread | +3
(-110) |
| 210½
(-110o) |
Total | 210½
(-110u) |
Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers Prediction
The Pacers are solid at home and Boston is struggling on the road. But upon closer inspection, Indiana is just 2-5 as a home underdog while the Celtics are 5-3 as a road favorite. Not to mention that Boston has more of a healthy roster and the Pacers are lacking too many players from their backcourt.
Still, the Celtics can be tough to trust given how slow they play and how wonky their offense can be. Three points may not seem like a lot but Boston is only 3-5 ATS when favored by three points or fewer. Go for them straight on the sportsbook.
Pick: Boston Celtics -150
Both of these teams play a slow style of basketball, which is conducive to spreads going under, as we saw in their last game. However, Indiana sees a bump in its offense when playing at home. This is why 13 of the Pacers’ 22 home games have gone over and why four of their last five at home against Boston have.
