The Indiana Pacers (39-25) host the Boston Celtics (42-21) Tuesday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Pacers-Celtics odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.
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Celtics at Pacers: Key injuries
Celtics
- SG Jaylen Brown (hamstring) out
- C Robert Williams III (back) probable
Pacers
- SF Doug McDermott (toe) doubtful
- PG Malcolm Brogdon (quadriceps) out
- SG Victor Oladipo (knee) questionable
- SG Jeremy Lamb (knee) out
Celtics at Pacers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 1 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Pacers 107, Celtics 102
Moneyline (ML)
The PACERS (+125) have been on a roll since the All-Star break, going 7-2, including an impressive road victory over the Dallas Mavericks in their last game, Sunday. The Celtics (-154) have been on the struggle bus since the break with a 4-5 record and dropping a few games in heartbreaking fashion. Two of Boston’s losses came in overtime and in their last game, against the Oklahoma City Thunder, they gave up a double-digit lead to lose at home, 105-104. Indiana picked up a 122-117 victory against Boston in the first head-to-head meeting, despite a 44-point effort from Celtics PG Kemba Walker.
The reason why the Celtics could lose despite an impressive Walker performance is it appears Jayson Tatum is Boston’s most impactful player—as he goes, the Celtics go. Tatum averages 23.4 points per game this year and when he scores 24 or more points the Celtics are 28-5 this season; however, Tatum hasn’t scored more than 22 points in nine career games against the Pacers and he scored only 16 points in the first Celtics-Pacers game. Indiana is second in the NBA (behind Boston) in opposing small forwards points per game and given its previous success against Tatum, I like PACERS (+125).
New to sports betting? Bet $100 on the Pacers (+125) to earn a profit of $125 if they beat the Celtics.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
Generally, I’d stick with the moneyline wager here and not bother taking just 3.5 points however they could come into play in this game. Boston (-3.5, -106) has been great against the spread this season both overall (38-23-2 ATS) and on the road (20-10-1) but not very good in games projected to be close.
The PACERS (+3.5, -115) are the play with a little insurance in the event of a loss. Each team has narrow point differentials since the All-Star break. Indiana is outscoring opponents 106.8-105.6 and Boston’s nine post-All-Star games have an average outcome of 112.3-110.
Over/Under (O/U)
The Over has cashed in six of the last eight Celtics-Pacers games because they are generally lower projected totals from bookmakers. Rightfully so, these teams both rank in the top-10 in opponent PPG, field-goal percentage, 3-point percentage, defensive rating and opponent effective FG%. The first meeting went well Over but that included a 29-point performance from Brogdon (who won’t be playing) and a healthy Brown, who’s a great two-way player. Expect this game to be lower scoring and the UNDER 214.5 (-110) to cash.
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