Celtics vs Pacers Pick: NBA Betting Prediction for Dec 4

Boston Celtics (15-4 SU, 8-10 ATS) vs. Indiana Pacers (10-8 SU, 10-8 ATS)

When: Monday, December 4th, 7:30 PM (ET)

Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, IN, Indianapolis

TV: TNT

Point Spread: Bos -4.5/Ind +4.5

Total: 241.5

Money Line: Boston Celtics -196/+161

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Notable Injuries

Celtics

• Kristaps Porzingis (Out) Calf

Pacers

• Obi Toppin (Questionable) Ankle
• Jalen Smith (Out) Knee
• Tyrese Haliburton (Questionable) Knee

Recent Form

Heading into today’s game, the Celtics have their sights set on extending their three-game winning streak. Overall, they are 15-4 and lead the Eastern Conference as well as the Atlantic division.

So far this season, the Pacers are 10-8 overall and have gone 1-2 in their last three games. When playing against other teams in the Eastern Conference, the Pacers are 8-7 and are 2-1 in non-conference play.

The Historicals

Across the last 5 matchups between the teams, Indiana has gone 3-2 vs the spread. However, the Celtics actually have a positive scoring margin in these games at +16 points per game. In these matchups, the teams have put together an over-under mark of 3-2. Combined, they averaged 246 points in these games.

Analysis

Boston’s offense is coming off a good game, putting up 125 points vs. the 76ers. Overall, they hit 50.6% of their shots from the field and went 31/36 from the free-throw line. The top scorer for the Celtics was Jayson Tatum, who scored 21 points, while Derrick White also chipped in with 21 points.

At present, the Celtics’ defense is ranked 4th, allowing 107.4 points per game.

The Celtics defense is coming off a game in which they held the 76ers offense to just 50.6% shooting. Overall, they gave up 119 points to Philadelphia.

The Pacers are coming off a good offensive performance, putting up 144 points vs. the Heat. This figure is more than their season average of 128.8 points per game. Currently leading the team in scoring is Tyrese Haliburton, who comes into today’s matchup averaging 27. Myles Turner also heads into the game with a PPG average of 16.6.

Coming into the game, the Pacers will be looking to improve their defense, as they are currently giving up 125.9 points per game (30th).

Inside the arc, the Pacers defense is giving up a shooting percentage of 54.6% and 39.5% from three-point territory.

Betting Trends

• When looking at their past ten road matchups, Boston has an ATS record of 2-7-1 while averaging 111 per game. The team went 6-4 overall in these games.
• In their last three home games, Indiana has averaged 144 points per game while allowing 141. The team’s record in this stretch was 2-1 while going 2-1 vs. the spread.
• In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Pacers have a strong straight-up record of 2-1. In addition, their ATS record was 2-1 in these scenarios.
• In their last three games as the betting favorite, the Celtics have a strong straight-up record of 3-0. In addition, their ATS record was 2-1 in these scenarios.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

In this NBA quarter-final matchup, I am expecting Indiana to give Boston a run for their money. Right now, the spread is sitting at -4.5 in favor of Boston, but I like the Pacers to push the Celtics right to the end. My pick is Indiana +4.5.