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This should be a good matchup in the East! It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Celtics-Pacers prediction and pick.
The Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers met the last time they played. Boston narrowly defeated the Pacers in overtime in what was a close and low-scoring affair. For the Celtics, they needed that win badly to put themselves back into the playoff picture. Now, they are 20-21 which puts them 10th in the East. The Pacers are 15-26 and are 13th in the East. The Pacers are dealing with a couple of injuries to crucial players which have set them back a little. It's been a down year for both of these teams, and so a win today for either side could really benefit them the rest of the way.
Here are the Celtics-Pacers NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Celtics-Pacers Odds
Boston Celtics: -2.5 (-110)
Indiana Pacers: +2.5 (-110)
Over: 211.5 (-110)
Under: 211.5 (-110)
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Why The Celtics Could Cover The Spread
The Celtics barely got past the Pacers last time out as they once again blew a lead in the fourth quarter. The Celtics need to really learn how to finish. This team has blown at least four 19+ point leads this season alone. That is something that will really hurt the team later in the season, so they need to really pick themselves up now. If the Celtics can go on a run now, then they can climb the competitive Eastern Conference. They are only a few games back from the 6-8 seed in the East, and they would like a little bit more cushion so they are threatened to be the lower seeds come playoffs.
The Celtics can cover this spread if they keep their defense up like they did last game. They forced Indiana to take a ton of bad shots early in the game, and that is why it was so low-scoring. Boston never found a way to score either and so it just turned into a full-on defensive showcase. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have both said they want to stay together, so if that is the case, they need to figure out how to close games together. Tatum likes to take over late in the fourth, but it can't all be on him if the Celtics want to be successful.
Why The Pacers Could Cover The Spread
The Pacers are capable of covering this spread if they play as they did late in the game last time out. They came back and forced the Celtics into overtime, even though they almost won in regulation. Tatum nailed a late shot to force OT, where ultimately the Celtics pulled through. The Pacers are very good on defense and will continue to do so. The problem is that they are without top defenders TJ Warren and Malcolm Brogdon, who were both excellent on defense last season. Those two are also very good offensively, so the Pacers are hurting without their presence.
The Pacers can cover this spread if they pick up their offense a little. They can't be scoring 18-22 points a quarter or else they will not win games. They need to find someone who can really score. Domantas Sabonis is their best player and he can be a mismatch for the Celtics. He didn't score many points last game but was a threat in every other statistic. They can't let Boston contain him or else they won't cover this spread.
Final Celtics-Pacers Prediction & Pick
I'm taking the Celtics to cover this spread on the road. This was a close game last time and I assume it will be again. It was very low-scoring as to why the over/under is low as well. Expect it to be a different kind of game, but one where the Celtics cover once again.
Final Celtics-Pacers Prediction & Pick: Celtics -2.5 (-110) and over: 211.5 (-110)
