A defensive struggle should be expected when the Indiana Pacers (39-25) and the Boston Celtics (42-21) face off at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 215 points with Boston set as a 1.5-point favorite.
Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers Free Prediction
The last time the Celtics played, they were 6.5-point favorites and fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 105-104. The combined points for the game (209) were under the O/U total of 216.5. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Oklahoma City’s biggest strengths. They made 34 trips to the line, while Boston went 19 times. Gordon Hayward led Boston in scoring with 24 points on 9-for-19 shooting.
The Pacers barely escaped the Dallas Mavericks in their last contest, 112-109, despite being 6.5-point underdogs. The game’s total points (221) were just over the projected point total of 219. Indiana had a better effective field goal percentage (0.568 vs. 0.505). Dallas, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.187 vs. 0.136). Domantas Sabonis led Indiana in scoring with 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting from the field.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. Kemba Walker scored a game-high 44 points in the first game, in which the Celtics lost 122-117, unable to cover as 1.5-point underdogs. The game finished with a total of 239 points, which was 28.5 points above the projected point total of 210.5 points. Indiana did a terrific job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (30-36; 83.3 percent). Boston, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (20.5 vs. 12.2).
Boston heads into the game with records of 42-21 straight up (SU) and 37-25-1 against the spread (ATS). Celtics games have a slight tendency to go under the O/U total (50.8 percent).
Meanwhile, Indiana owns records of 39-25 SU and 33-28-3 ATS. In opposition of Boston, just over half of Pacers games have finished over the projected point total.
Indiana might have trouble finding the bottom of the net as they face off against one of the league’s best defenses. Boston ranks fourth in defensive efficiency, while the Pacers rank 16th in offensive efficiency.
Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers ATS Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
On the road, Boston is 20-10-1 ATS with 17 unders and 14 overs.
At home, Indiana is 14-15-2 ATS with 16 overs and 15 unders.
Each team is strong when keeping the opposition to under 100 points, as Indiana is 11-2 and Boston is 12-3.
When scoring more than 100 points, the Pacers are 39-16 and the Celtics are 41-14.
Indiana ranks fifth in assists per game (26.0) while Boston ranks 25th (22.9).
The Celtics rank 14th in three pointers attempted per game (34.2) while the Pacers rank last (27.5).
Indiana ranks 13th in blocks per game (5.1) while Boston ranks 24th in blocks allowed per game (5.5).
The Celtics rank third in points allowed in the paint per game (42.9) while the Pacers rank 14th (47.8).
Boston ranks 16th in second chance points per game (13.2) while Indiana ranks 27th (11.5).
The Celtics rank sixth in fast break points per game (15.5) while the Pacers rank 17th in fast break points allowed per game (13.6).
Indiana ranks third in steals allowed per game (6.8) while Boston ranks seventh (7.0).
The Celtics average 46.0 rebounds per game, which ranks ninth in the league. The Pacers rank 13th in rebounds allowed per game (44.7).
Boston ranks fourth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.6) while Indiana ranks fifth (14.6).
Over its last five outings, Boston is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Indiana is 3-1-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over its last five games.
The Celtics have been outscored by an average of 2.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Boston has defeated opponents by an average of 6.2 points.
During their last five games, the Pacers have scored an average of 109.8 points per game (0.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 109.0 points per game (1.7 above their season average).