The Celtics and Pacers will meet for the second time in three days after the Celtics won 118-101 on Saturday. The Celtics now lead the season series 2-1 over the Pacers and are favored in tonight's matchup by -3.5. Let's get into our Celtics vs Pacers Prediction - NBA Picks 1/8/24.
Game Preview:
Boston Celtics:
The Celtics, with a record of 28-7, have shown themselves to be a formidable force in the league.
Key players like Jayson Tatum, who has been scoring over 30 points in recent games, and Jrue Holiday will be crucial for Boston’s success. The team, however, is monitoring the health of Sam Hauser, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jayson Tatum, all of whom are questionable for the game.
Boston’s strength lies in their balanced attack and solid defense, capable of adapting their playstyle to counter their opponents effectively.
Indiana Pacers:
The Pacers, currently with a 20-15 record, will be looking for revenge after their recent loss to the Celtics on Saturday. Despite the setback, the Pacers have been performing well this season, especially on the offensive end.
Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner, and Aaron Nesmith are key players for Indiana. Haliburton, in particular, will be vital for the Pacers, known for his scoring and playmaking abilities.
Indiana has injury concerns with Bruce Brown Jr., Isaiah Jackson, and Andrew Nembhard all being questionable. Their offensive tempo and ability to bounce back will be key factors in this rematch.
Prediction:
The Celtics enter this matchup as slight favorites, given their recent form and defensive capabilities. They’re -3.5 on the spread and -162 on the money line.
However, the Pacers have shown they can compete with top teams and have a winning record against formidable opponents like the Milwaukee Bucks this season.
The game is expected to be high-scoring, and while Boston is favored, Indiana’s home-court advantage and desire for revenge could make this a closer contest than anticipated.
Final Score
Celtics 121 Pacers 116
