Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers Predictions 2/27/22

Boston Celtics (36-26 SU, 30-30-2 ATS) vs. Indiana Pacers (20-41 SU, 28-31-2 ATS)

When: Sunday February 27 2022, 05:00 PM (ET)

Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana

TV: NBCSB

Point Spread: BOS -7/IND +7(Opened at BOS -7 BAS – Why lay -110 when you can lay -105 here?)

Total: 223.5 (Opened at 224)

Money Line: Boston Celtics -360/Indiana Pacers 280

Power Rating: BOS -6

Probable Starting Lineups

Boston Celtics PG Marcus Smart, SG Jaylen Brown, SF Jayson Tatum, PF Al Horford, C Robert Williams

Indiana Pacers PG Malcolm Brogdon, SG Tyrese Haliburton, SF Buddy Hield, PF Oshae Brissett, C Isaiah Jackson

Key Injuries

Celtics
No Reported Injuries

Pacers
Chris Duarte: toe (QUESTIONABLE) Ricky Rubio: knee (OUT) Myles Turner: foot (OUT)

The Indiana Pacers host the Boston Celtics in a Non-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 05:00 PM ET at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Recent Form

The Boston Celtics come into this game with an overall record of 36-26, placing them 6th in the Eastern Conference. So far, Boston is above .500 on the road, holding a record of 16-15. Over their last five games, the Celtics have played well, picking up 4 wins. During this stretch, Boston is averaging 119.0 points per game, 10.0 points more than their season average of 109.2. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 111.0 points per contest. The Celtics have been picking up wins while holding opponents to an average of 101.0 points per game, similar to their season average of 103.5. In the Boston Celtics’ most recent game, Boston took down Detroit by a score of 113-104

The Indiana Pacers come into this game with an overall record of 20-41, placing them 13rd in the Eastern Conference. Throughout the season, Indiana has struggled in their 32 home contests, sitting at 14-18. Over the Pacers’ last five games, they have picked up just 1 win. During this stretch, Indiana is averaging 118.0 points per game, 8.0 points more than their season average of 109.6. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 109.0 points per contest. A key reason for the Pacers’ recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 123.0 points over their last five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 112.2. In the Indiana Pacers’ most recent game, the team fell to Oklahoma City by a score of 129-125.

Individual Player Analysis

As Boston travels to take on the Indiana Pacers, the Celtics’ leading scorer is Jayson Tatum. Through 57 games, Tatum is averaging 25 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 46.0% of his games. Against the Pacers, Tatum will need to be on top of his game as Indiana is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their average in 34.0% of their games, placing them in the top 10. On the other side, Buddy Hield leads the Pacers in scoring, averaging 21 points across his 5 games. Throughout the season, Hield has outscored his season average in 40.0% of his outings. However, if he hopes to add to this total, Hield will need to do so against a Celtics defense that has been tough on their opponent’s top scorers. So far, leading scores have surpassed their season average at a rate of just 32.65%. This figure is good for a rank of 1st in the league.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Boston Celtics are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 16 of Boston’s 30 games, leading to a winning percentage of 62%. So far, the Indiana Pacers have played 48 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost every game by an average margin of -13.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers have met up for 2 contesst. In their last meeting, Boston picked up a 119-100 win.

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How the Public is Betting the Celtics vs Pacers

67% are betting the Celtics against the spread.

52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 224.5

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a road favorite.
• Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games.
• Pacers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog.
• Pacers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as a home underdog.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Heading into this matchup, not only are the Celtics the hotter team, but they also come into the game as the healthier unit. The Indiana Pacers shook up the roster at the trade deadline and are still working through putting together the proper rotations. Look for Indiana to struggle against a Boston team ranked first in effective field goal percentage allowed. In addition, I expect the Celtics to have a big scoring night as Indiana has allowed their opponents to hit 47% of their field goal attempts (27th). I recommend taking the Celtics ATS. Double your bankroll this week by grabbing a free 100% real cash bonus up to $1K on your first deposit at Betnow Sportsbook!