Boston Celtics (26-7) vs. Indiana Pacers (19-14)
An exciting NBA showdown will take place this Saturday as the Boston Celtics take on Indiana Pacers. At Gainbridge Fieldhouse and broadcast live by BSIN, it should prove riveting viewing for basketball enthusiasts and bettors looking for expert NBA picks – both teams boast strong records ensuring this battle between strategy, skill, and intensity will make for compelling viewing!
The Boston Celtics have been an impressively consistent performer this season, scoring 120.8 points per game on average and shooting 48.2% from field goal range with 37.4% three-point percentage from field goal attempts. On defense, Boston is equally formidable averaging 6.7 steals and 6.4 blocks per game while their turnover rate (12.5/game and 17.2 fouls/game are areas they must strive to control against Indiana Pacers.
Indiana Pacers have been an impressive offensive powerhouse, scoring an astonishing 126.9 points per game while shooting efficiently (50.8 percent field goal percentage and 38.4% from beyond the 3-point line). Defensively they boast 7.6 steals and 6.5 blocks per game while their turnover rate (12.8 per game) could allow Boston Celtics an opportunity to capitalize on it.
Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers Game Info
| When: | Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Gainbridge Fieldhouse |
| TV: | BSIN |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Jayson Tatum (SF) vs. Tyrese Haliburton (PG)
Jayson Tatum is putting up MVP-type numbers, averaging nearly 28 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists while shooting over 47% from the field. Tatum has taken his game to new heights, expanding his range while remaining a force attacking the rim. His length, skill and scoring prowess make him a matchup nightmare. However, Tatum has struggled with turnovers in recent games and his defense comes and goes. He’ll need to limit mistakes against a savvy Pacers squad.
Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton has solidified himself as Indiana’s franchise cornerstone. The versatile point guard stuffs the stat sheet on a nightly basis, averaging nearly 25 points, 5 rebounds and an NBA-best 13 assists per contest. Haliburton is a wizard with the basketball, threading pinpoint passes while having the green light to launch from deep when open. Though turnover prone at times, the Pacers offense hums behind Haliburton’s brilliance. His matchup with Marcus Smart and Boston’s rugged defense will go a long way in deciding this contest.
With two talented playmakers who can score at all three levels, Tatum and Haliburton should provide fireworks in this matchup. While Tatum holds the pure scoring edge, Haliburton’s selfless style of play uplifts the entire Pacers squad. Containing these All-Star guards will be crucial towards victory.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this encounter are eagerly awaited, with the Celtics likely to enter as favorites given their superior record. However, the Pacers’ recent form and offensive firepower could offer bettors an intriguing prospect for an upset.
Boston Celtics Betting Trends
While Boston has posted an impressive 26-7 overall record, they’ve struggled against the spread recently, failing to cover in three of their last five contests. The C’s defense has slipped of late, a concerning trend for a team that has prided itself on that end of the floor under Brad Stevens and Ime Udoka.
Indiana Pacers Betting Trends
Indiana has been a covering machine, going 5-0 against the number during their active five game winning streak while showing improvement on both ends of the court. The Pacers are clicking at the right time under Carlisle, led by Haliburton’s brilliance and surrounded by Athletic wings like Buddy Hield, Bennedict Mathurin and Jalen Smith. Indiana is an impressive 13-5 overall at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, scoring over 121 points per home contest.
Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers 1/6/24 Betting Picks
Assessing the teams’ performances and trends, the Boston Celtics might hold a slight advantage due to their overall record and balanced play. However, the Pacers’ recent form and scoring ability cannot be overlooked, making them a potentially lucrative pick, especially as underdogs.
In terms of betting, the Celtics seem like a strong pick, but considering the Pacers’ current momentum, they could offer considerable value. Prop bets focusing on individual performances, especially on Tatum and Haliburton, could be interesting. The over/under might lean towards the OVER, given both teams’ propensity for high-scoring games. Top betting sites will offer a reliable odds and spread for tis matchup.
