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Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers Betting Preview

After losing back to back games to the Jazz and Thunder, the Celtics head to Indianapolis to square off with the red hot Pacers. Indiana is 8-2 over their last 10 games, while Boston has only managed a .500 record in their last 10.

The Celtics last two losses both came at home, so they will have to dig their way out on the road in Indiana and then Milwaukee. Not exactly the two teams you’d like to meet after dropping two. Boston has failed to cover in three of their last four games.

Indiana has finally found some consistency post-All-Star break, and they’ve only lost to the Raptors and Bucks in their last 10. Two games in which you could argue that they were supposed to lose.

The Pacers come into this contest a home underdog at +2. The game total is set at 214.5, and the money line is +110 for Indiana and -130 for Boston. Tip-off is set for 7:05 pm ET at Banker Life Fieldhouse.

Celtics Need a Spark

Boston is by no means in bad shape, even after a rough couple of weeks. They remain in the 3rd spot in the Eastern Conference at 42-21. They’re 10 games behind the Bucks in first, but only 3.5 behind the second-place Raptors.

Part of the reason Boston was outplayed against OKC on Sunday was the absence of Jaylen Brown with a hamstring injury, and his absence was noticeable. Taking 20 points, six rebounds, a steal, and some great defense out of the lineup would be noticeable for any team.

The Celtics hope Brown’s injury doesn’t linger around too long because their schedule doesn’t get any easier down the stretch. Teams like Indiana will be out for blood on the final run to the playoffs. If Brown doesn’t play, look for Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker to have the ball in their hands a little more.

Pacers Have a Spark

The Pacers are 9-7 since the return of Indiana’s prodigal son, Victor Oladipo. He’s added that extra spark the team needed. Oladipo isn’t putting up his usual numbers yet, but as the minutes ramp up, so does his scoring ability.

Oladipo is putting up 12.7 points and three assists in limited minutes off the bench. Expect the minutes, scoring, and distribution to increase as the season progresses. If he finds the scorer of old, look out, this team will be a major contender.

With Malcolm Brogdon down week to week with a hip injury and Doug McDermott day to day with a toe, the Pacers would love nothing more than Oladipo finding that classic stroke, and soon. Neither Brogdon nor McDermott will play Tuesday.

Picking Your Poison

With a healthy Brogdon and a plus sign by the Pacers’ name, under normal circumstances, this is an easy pick. Brogdon being out throws a large wrench in things. Brown being questionable throws a bag of wrenches, so we dig a little deeper into the numbers.

Boston has been lethal against the spread this season at 38-23-2, only being outpaced by OKC at 40-24. Indiana isn’t too shabby either at 34-28-2. Boston is 10-6-1 when they are favored on the road, Indiana is only 1-2 as the home underdog.

The play here is Boston to cover the -2 and the moneyline. You’ll likely want to take a hard look at the over 214.5 as well. The injuries in this game blur the results a bit, so go with the favorite. Good luck.

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