Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers NBA Betting Picks: 1/8 Prediction, Odds & Player Props

We have a great matchup this evening between two teams that just played one another over the weekend, Boston winning going away, 118-101.

Boston has far and away been the best team in the NBA this season, however one of their few losses came at the hands of the Pacers during the in-season tournament. This will be the 4th of 5 meetings between the two teams this season, the determining factor in who will own the head to head, Boston currently up 2-1.

Both teams have excelled post-holiday season, each 6-1 since Christmas Day and in the top 4 in the league in point differential over that time frame. It's worth noting that Indiana's porous defense (26th on the season) has been much better of late (8th in defensive rating), and tonight will be a big test in how they respond to their blowout loss over the weekend.

The Pacers are at home and the underdog (+125), and the Celtics are favored on the road (-155). This game is close to a toss up.

Check out my game prediction and favorite prop bet picks below. Odds courtesy of BetMGM. 

• Game Date: Monday, January 8th, 2024
• Game Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Spread: Celtics -2.5
• Moneyline: Celtics -155; Pacers +125
• Scoring Total: 246.5 points
• Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana.
• TV Channel: Bally Sports Indiana, NBCS Boston

Our Celtics vs. Pacers Betting Picks & Prediction

Pacers to Cover

• Jayson Tatum is not playing.
• The Celtics are 17-0 at home, but 11-7 on the road.
• On average, Indiana's defense has been significantly better at home.

Total Points Over 246.5

• On average, Pacers games have 250 points scored total.
• The Pacers and Celtics are the top 2 offensive teams in basketball.
• Indiana is 2nd in the league in pace.

Best Celtics vs. Pacers Moneyline Odds

Our Player Prop Picks for Celtics vs Pacers

Jrue Holiday Over Assists

• With Tatum out, Holiday is likely to have more usage initiating the offense.
• Given Indiana's pace, more chances for assists will be in abundance.
• Holiday is due to bounce back after a poor outing from the field last game against Indy.

Myles Turner Double Double

• Without Jayson Tatum on the court, Boston's offense and defense both drop off, giving more margin for error.
• Turner is averaging 19.6 points per game since Christmas Day, above his 17.6 ppg average.
• The Celtics will play smaller with Tatum out, who averages almost 9 boards per game.

Derrick White Over 1.5 Blocks

• White averages 1.3 blocks per game.
• Indiana takes the second most field goal attempts per game: More opportunities to secure a block.
• The Pacers are blocked 5.5 times per game on average, 25th in the NBA (Bad/High)