The Indiana Pacers nearly pulled off a gutsy win on the road against the Boston Celtics on Monday night, but the C’s simply pulled the right stops and made timely shots in overtime to send the Blue and Gold packing in yet another close defeat to push them 15-26 on the season.
Now, the Pacers face the Celtics once again on the second leg of their home-and-away series, but this time, they will be away from hostile environment as they play hosts to the visitors. Fortunately, some key cogs could be returning from health and safety protocols and give the team a better shot at nabbing a win and establishing momentum as they enter a brutal Western Conference slate.
On the season, the Pacers are 12-10 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse and 8-21 against the East while the Celtics are 7-13 on the road and 14-11 against conference foes. Indiana ranks 15th in offensive rating and 21st in defensive rating while Boston sits at 20th and sixth, respectively, on the same departments.
Pacers vs Celtics Odds, Spread, Over/Under & Betting Pick
The latest odds from WynnBET (sign up with this link) have the visiting Celtics as -3.5 favorites on the road against the Pacers. Boston stands as a -167 moneyline favorite while Indiana is currently a +137 moneyline underdog.
The over/under for this contest has been set at 212.0
Projected Pacers Starting Lineup Tonight
SF: Justin Holiday
PF: Domantas Sabonis
C: Myles Turner
SG: Caris LeVert
PG: Malcolm Brogdon
Pacers Injury Report
Caris LeVert and Goga Bitadze have cleared protocols and are questionable for this game, same with Chris Duarte (personal) and Malcolm Brogdon (achilles). TJ McConnell (wrist) and TJ Warren (foot) are still without a timetable to return.
Indiana Pacers vs Boston Celtics Prediction
The Pacers should have healthier bodies this time and wage a better fight against the favored Celtics. Boston has the tools to limit Indiana’s frontcourt production, but their added firepower in the backcourt should be more than enough to compensate for whatever concession they allow on the offensive end.
Boston’s defense all but ensures that this could be yet another low-scoring affair between both clubs, but Indiana’s superior and more diverse scoring profile should be the difference here as the Pacers get a much-need win at home and pull away late to beat the Celtics and even the season series.
Pacers 105, Celtics 98
Make your pick now on WynnBET.
What channel is the Indiana Pacers game on?
Wednesday’s contest will air on Bally Sports Indiana (Indianapolis) and NBC Sports Boston (Boston) and will tip off at 7 PM ET.
Indiana Pacers vs Boston Celtics Live Stream
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Pacers Next Game and Schedule
Indiana hosts Phoenix for their final home game before a lengthy West Coast road trip, which they commence against the Los Angeles teams and Golden State.
Jan. 14 vs Phoenix
Jan. 17 @ LA Clippers
Jan. 19 @ Los Angeles
Jan. 20 @ Golden State