On a relatively quiet Saturday in the NBA, one of the marquee matchups sees the Boston Celtics head to Indiana to play the Pacers.
One wonders which team has the larger target on its back. The Boston Celtics are perennial contenders and currently sit atop the Eastern Conference. The Indiana Pacers are quickly rising the ranks. What’s more, they dumped Boston out of the In-Season Tournament in December and this week defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in a home-and-home series.
The NBA odds believe the Celtics will take this one, pinning them as -5.5 favourites.
Celtics vs. Pacers NBA Betting Odds
Saturday night is the third time this season that Boston and Indiana collide and each of the first two made for memorable events. The first was very early in the campaign when the Celtics scored the second-highest number of points in franchise history in a 155-104 victory. The second time was the In-Season Tournament quarterfinal which saw the Pacers handle the Celtics 122-112. Last year Boston won two of three games.
The Celtics are handling spreads in about as good a manner as one can anticipate from a club that’s expected to win every night and sometimes win big. Their 17-15-2 record isn’t great nor is it terrible. Boston is only 4-3 ATS in their last seven road games. The improved defensive performances this season have resulted in a tight record for the over, 18-15-1.
The over sounds like a good idea when considering that the Pacers are the top-scoring team in the NBA (127.6 points per match) and the Celtics are fifth (121.0). That said, Indiana hasn’t done great against good defensive teams. They’ve lost to the Heat, the Timberwolves, the Grizzlies, and the Magic, all top 10 or nearly. Indiana has done rather well ATS this season, what with a 20-14 record.
Boston Celtics
On Friday, just before heading southward for this matchup, the Celtics continued their perfect start to the season at TD Garden by trouncing the Utah Jazz 126-97.
One reckons Boston can’t possibly go 41-0 at home this year, but the 17-0 start is a good reminder of how much of a fortress the Garden is. Not that the Jazz represented the greatest threat to the perfect record, but the Celtics still didn’t flounder around as they had against other weaker opponents in recent weeks. No comeback was necessary, nor was any extra time session. Utah never led and at one time trailed by as many as 36 points. It may sound ridiculous, but the Celtics didn’t outplay the Jazz by much. They were outscored in the paint and slightly outrebounded. But Boston hit Utah from three and the free throw line often enough to inflict the requisite damage.
Jayson Tatum led with 30 points, followed by Kristaps Porzingis’ 19. The starter with the fewest points, Derrick White, still reached double-digits (10). Even Sam Hauser slammed an alley-oop. It was just one of those nights.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers have had one heck of a week. It started with back-to-back convincing wins over the mighty Milwaukee Bucks, once as the road team for that matter. The Atlanta Hawks paid a visit on Friday night and, in hindsight, probably wish they never had.
Indiana took all the good vibes from teaching the Bucks two basketball lessons and made mincemeat with the Hawks. The 150-116 win was highlighted by, among other things, a franchise-record-setting 50 assists, 18 of which were courtesy of Tyrese Haliburton. To be fair, Atlanta doesn’t have a great defence, but even so, this was the second time this season the Pacers put a 150 burger on them. Haliburton didn’t play that much, only spending 25 minutes on the court. Canadian NBA fans are taking note of second-year pro Bennedict Mathurin (Montreal native). He’s had an incredible week and added to it with 18 points and a +11. Myles Turner led his side with 27 points.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Celtics vs. Pacers?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 6 Jan 2:36am | IND | -5.5 -110 | O +245.5 -110 |
| Closing 7 Jan 2:07am | IND | -5.5 -120 | O +228.5 -125 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Celtics Team Leaders
| Points |
26.85 |
| Assists |
5.16 |
| Rebounds |
8.12 |
| FG% |
70 |
| Steals |
1.19 |
| Blocks |
1.95 |
| Points |
21.27 |
| Assists |
10.9 |
| Rebounds |
7.78 |
| FG% |
66.5 |
| Steals |
1.2 |
| Blocks |
1.87 |
| Points |
25 |
| Assists |
6.26 |
| Rebounds |
9.68 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.21 |
| Blocks |
1.57 |
| Points |
21.59 |
| Assists |
8.2 |
| Rebounds |
7.53 |
| FG% |
56 |
| Steals |
1.27 |
| Blocks |
1.47 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Pacers Team Leaders
| Points |
26.85 |
| Assists |
5.16 |
| Rebounds |
8.12 |
| FG% |
70 |
| Steals |
1.19 |
| Blocks |
1.95 |
| Points |
21.27 |
| Assists |
10.9 |
| Rebounds |
7.78 |
| FG% |
66.5 |
| Steals |
1.2 |
| Blocks |
1.87 |
| Points |
25 |
| Assists |
6.26 |
| Rebounds |
9.68 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.21 |
| Blocks |
1.57 |
| Points |
21.59 |
| Assists |
8.2 |
| Rebounds |
7.53 |
| FG% |
56 |
| Steals |
1.27 |
| Blocks |
1.47 |
Injuries
Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
Luke Kornet (C)
Jrue Holiday (PG)
Jrue Holiday (PG)
Luke Kornet (C)
Xavier Tillman (PF)
Luke Kornet (C)
Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
Luke Kornet (C)
Al Horford (C)
Jalen Smith (PF)
Aaron Nesmith (SG)
Jalen Smith (PF)
Obi Toppin (PF)
Isaiah Jackson (PF)
Jalen Smith (PF)
Myles Turner (C)
T.J. McConnell (PG)
Aaron Nesmith (SG)
James Johnson (PF)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kristaps Porzingis (PF) | Prob Mon | Leg - 11 / 06 / 24 | 1-1 | 0-3 | + - |
|
Porzingis is nursing a lower leg injury, but he is expected to be on court against the Mavericks on Monday in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. |
|||||
| Luke Kornet (C) | Ques Thurs | Wrist - 30 / 05 / 24 | 2-2 | 0-5 | + - |
|
Kornet is dealing with a left wrist sprain injury, and it is undetermined if he will be active in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Mavericks on Thursday. |
|||||
| Jrue Holiday (PG) | Prob Mon | Illness - 26 / 05 / 24 | 3-3 | 2-5 | + - |
|
Holiday is ailing from illness, but he is projected to be on court against the Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. |
|||||
| Jrue Holiday (PG) | Prob Sun | Illness - 25 / 05 / 24 | 3-3 | 2-5 | + - |
|
Holiday is dealing with a non-COVID illness, but he is likely to be on court against the Pacers on Sunday. |
|||||
| Luke Kornet (C) | Prob Mon | Wrist - 24 / 05 / 24 | 3-3 | 2-5 | + - |
|
Kornet is dealing with a left wrist sprain injury, but he is expected to play against the Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. |
|||||
| Xavier Tillman (PF) | Ques Sat | Personal - 20 / 05 / 24 | 3-5 | 4-5 | + - |
|
Tillman has missed the last two game because of the personal reasons, and it is unclear if he will play Saturday against the Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. |
|||||
| Luke Kornet (C) | Prob Mon | Calf - 12 / 05 / 24 | 4-7 | 5-7 | + - |
|
Kornet has a right calf injury, but he is expected to feature in the lineup against the Cavaliers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. |
|||||
| Kristaps Porzingis (PF) | Prob Thur | Calf - 29 / 04 / 24 | 8-7 | 7-9 | + - |
|
Porzingis is dealing with a right calf strain, and he is expected to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Mavericks on Thursday. |
|||||
| Luke Kornet (C) | Prob Sat | Calf - 20 / 04 / 24 | 9-8 | 9-10 | + - |
|
Kornet has been out of commission with a right calf strain, but he is expected to return to the court for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Heat. |
|||||
| Al Horford (C) | Prob Sun | Toe - 12 / 04 / 24 | 10-9 | 11-10 | + - |
|
Horford has a left big toe sprain, but he is expected to line up for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Smith (PF) | Out Mon | Illness - 27 / 05 / 24 | 1-0 | 1-0 | + - |
|
Smith is ailing from illness, and he is unlikely to be on court against the Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals. |
|||||
| Aaron Nesmith (SG) | Prob Sun | Shoulder - 11 / 05 / 24 | 5-3 | 5-3 | + - |
|
Nesmith is managing a right shoulder soreness, but he is expected to play against the Knicks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. |
|||||
| Jalen Smith (PF) | Prob Sun | Ankle - 13 / 04 / 24 | 10-8 | 13-5 | + - |
|
Smith is tending to a left ankle sprain, but it is projected that he will suit up Sunday versus the Hawks. |
|||||
| Obi Toppin (PF) | Prob Sun | Ankle - 12 / 04 / 24 | 11-8 | 14-5 | + - |
|
Toppin exited the previous game with a left ankle sprain, but it is not expected to affect his status for Sunday's battle versus the Hawks. |
|||||
| Isaiah Jackson (PF) | Prob Sun | Hamstring - 11 / 04 / 24 | 11-8 | 14-5 | + - |
|
Jackson was absent from the last match with a left hamstring strain, but it is expected that he will line up against the Hawks on Sunday. |
|||||
| Jalen Smith (PF) | Prob Sun | Ankle - 05 / 04 / 24 | 12-10 | 16-6 | + - |
|
Smith exited the last contest with a left ankle sprain, but it is likely that he will suit up Sunday against the Heat. |
|||||
| Myles Turner (C) | Prob Fri | Finger - 01 / 04 / 24 | 14-10 | 17-7 | + - |
|
Turner was held out of the last game with a right finger sprain, but it is forecasted that he will battle the Thunder on Friday. |
|||||
| T.J. McConnell (PG) | Ques Wed | Ankle - 26 / 03 / 24 | 15-12 | 19-8 | + - |
|
McConnell is nursing left ankle soreness, and it remains to be seen if he will suit up for Wednesday's battle with the Bulls. |
|||||
| Aaron Nesmith (SG) | Ques Wed | Knee - 25 / 03 / 24 | 16-12 | 19-9 | + - |
|
Nesmith missed the last game tending to a bruised right knee, and it is uncertain if he will face the Bulls on Wednesday. |
|||||
| James Johnson (PF) | Ques Mon | Personal - 22 / 03 / 24 | 17-12 | 19-10 | + - |
|
Johnson has been absent the previous two contests due to a personal matter, and it is unknown if he will take the court Monday against the Clippers. |
|||||
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 6 Jan 2:36am IND -5.5 -110 O +245.5 -110 Closing 7 Jan 2:07am IND -5.5 -120 O +228.5 -125 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Celtics Team Leaders
Points 26.85
Assists 5.16
Rebounds 8.12
FG% 70
Steals 1.19
Blocks 1.95
Points 21.27
Assists 10.9
Rebounds 7.78
FG% 66.5
Steals 1.2
Blocks 1.87
Points 25
Assists 6.26
Rebounds 9.68
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.21
Blocks 1.57
Points 21.59
Assists 8.2
Rebounds 7.53
FG% 56
Steals 1.27
Blocks 1.47
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Pacers Team Leaders
Points 26.85
Assists 5.16
Rebounds 8.12
FG% 70
Steals 1.19
Blocks 1.95
Points 21.27
Assists 10.9
Rebounds 7.78
FG% 66.5
Steals 1.2
Blocks 1.87
Points 25
Assists 6.26
Rebounds 9.68
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.21
Blocks 1.57
Points 21.59
Assists 8.2
Rebounds 7.53
FG% 56
Steals 1.27
Blocks 1.47
-
Injuries
Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
Prob Mon Leg - 11 / 06 / 24Luke Kornet (C)
Ques Thurs Wrist - 30 / 05 / 24Jrue Holiday (PG)
Prob Mon Illness - 26 / 05 / 24Jrue Holiday (PG)
Prob Sun Illness - 25 / 05 / 24Luke Kornet (C)
Prob Mon Wrist - 24 / 05 / 24Xavier Tillman (PF)
Ques Sat Personal - 20 / 05 / 24Luke Kornet (C)
Prob Mon Calf - 12 / 05 / 24Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
Prob Thur Calf - 29 / 04 / 24Luke Kornet (C)
Prob Sat Calf - 20 / 04 / 24Al Horford (C)
Prob Sun Toe - 12 / 04 / 24Jalen Smith (PF)
Out Mon Illness - 27 / 05 / 24Aaron Nesmith (SG)
Prob Sun Shoulder - 11 / 05 / 24Jalen Smith (PF)
Prob Sun Ankle - 13 / 04 / 24Obi Toppin (PF)
Prob Sun Ankle - 12 / 04 / 24Isaiah Jackson (PF)
Prob Sun Hamstring - 11 / 04 / 24Jalen Smith (PF)
Prob Sun Ankle - 05 / 04 / 24Myles Turner (C)
Prob Fri Finger - 01 / 04 / 24T.J. McConnell (PG)
Ques Wed Ankle - 26 / 03 / 24Aaron Nesmith (SG)
Ques Wed Knee - 25 / 03 / 24James Johnson (PF)
Ques Mon Personal - 22 / 03 / 24Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Kristaps Porzingis (PF) Prob Mon Leg - 11 / 06 / 24 1-1 0-3 + - Porzingis is nursing a lower leg injury, but he is expected to be on court against the Mavericks on Monday in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Luke Kornet (C) Ques Thurs Wrist - 30 / 05 / 24 2-2 0-5 + - Kornet is dealing with a left wrist sprain injury, and it is undetermined if he will be active in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Mavericks on Thursday.
Jrue Holiday (PG) Prob Mon Illness - 26 / 05 / 24 3-3 2-5 + - Holiday is ailing from illness, but he is projected to be on court against the Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Jrue Holiday (PG) Prob Sun Illness - 25 / 05 / 24 3-3 2-5 + - Holiday is dealing with a non-COVID illness, but he is likely to be on court against the Pacers on Sunday.
Luke Kornet (C) Prob Mon Wrist - 24 / 05 / 24 3-3 2-5 + - Kornet is dealing with a left wrist sprain injury, but he is expected to play against the Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Xavier Tillman (PF) Ques Sat Personal - 20 / 05 / 24 3-5 4-5 + - Tillman has missed the last two game because of the personal reasons, and it is unclear if he will play Saturday against the Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Luke Kornet (C) Prob Mon Calf - 12 / 05 / 24 4-7 5-7 + - Kornet has a right calf injury, but he is expected to feature in the lineup against the Cavaliers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Kristaps Porzingis (PF) Prob Thur Calf - 29 / 04 / 24 8-7 7-9 + - Porzingis is dealing with a right calf strain, and he is expected to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Mavericks on Thursday.
Luke Kornet (C) Prob Sat Calf - 20 / 04 / 24 9-8 9-10 + - Kornet has been out of commission with a right calf strain, but he is expected to return to the court for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Heat.
Al Horford (C) Prob Sun Toe - 12 / 04 / 24 10-9 11-10 + - Horford has a left big toe sprain, but he is expected to line up for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Jalen Smith (PF) Out Mon Illness - 27 / 05 / 24 1-0 1-0 + - Smith is ailing from illness, and he is unlikely to be on court against the Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Aaron Nesmith (SG) Prob Sun Shoulder - 11 / 05 / 24 5-3 5-3 + - Nesmith is managing a right shoulder soreness, but he is expected to play against the Knicks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Jalen Smith (PF) Prob Sun Ankle - 13 / 04 / 24 10-8 13-5 + - Smith is tending to a left ankle sprain, but it is projected that he will suit up Sunday versus the Hawks.
Obi Toppin (PF) Prob Sun Ankle - 12 / 04 / 24 11-8 14-5 + - Toppin exited the previous game with a left ankle sprain, but it is not expected to affect his status for Sunday's battle versus the Hawks.
Isaiah Jackson (PF) Prob Sun Hamstring - 11 / 04 / 24 11-8 14-5 + - Jackson was absent from the last match with a left hamstring strain, but it is expected that he will line up against the Hawks on Sunday.
Jalen Smith (PF) Prob Sun Ankle - 05 / 04 / 24 12-10 16-6 + - Smith exited the last contest with a left ankle sprain, but it is likely that he will suit up Sunday against the Heat.
Myles Turner (C) Prob Fri Finger - 01 / 04 / 24 14-10 17-7 + - Turner was held out of the last game with a right finger sprain, but it is forecasted that he will battle the Thunder on Friday.
T.J. McConnell (PG) Ques Wed Ankle - 26 / 03 / 24 15-12 19-8 + - McConnell is nursing left ankle soreness, and it remains to be seen if he will suit up for Wednesday's battle with the Bulls.
Aaron Nesmith (SG) Ques Wed Knee - 25 / 03 / 24 16-12 19-9 + - Nesmith missed the last game tending to a bruised right knee, and it is uncertain if he will face the Bulls on Wednesday.
James Johnson (PF) Ques Mon Personal - 22 / 03 / 24 17-12 19-10 + - Johnson has been absent the previous two contests due to a personal matter, and it is unknown if he will take the court Monday against the Clippers.