An Eastern Conference showdown has the Indiana Pacers (33-40) going on the road to battle against the Boston Celtics (50-23) on Friday night. This will be the third and final regular season bout between these teams. These clubs split the first two contests, with Boston securing a 142-138 overtime win on Feb. 23. Tyrese Haliburton (ankle) is questionable for the Pacers.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at TD Garden in Boston. Caesars Sportsbook lists Boston as an 11.5-point favorite in the latest Pacers vs. Celtics odds. The over/under for total points is 236. Before making any Celtics vs. Pacers picks, be sure to check out the NBA predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four-plus seasons. The model enters Week 23 of the 2022-23 NBA season on a stunning 69-36 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning nearly $2,900. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Pacers vs. Celtics and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are the NBA lines and trends for Celtics vs. Pacers:
- Pacers vs. Celtics spread: Boston -11.5
- Pacers vs. Celtics Over-Under: 236 points
- Pacers vs. Celtics money line: Boston -650, Indiana +460
- IND: Pacers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record
- BOS: Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record
- Pacers vs. Celtics picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Celtics can cover
Guard Jaylen Brown continues to be an athletic and explosive three-level scorer. Brown has the ability to glide to the rim while owning a reliable jumper on the outside. The two-time All-Star is 11th in the NBA in points (26.7) with 6.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists per contest. In Tuesday's win over the Sacramento Kings, Brown dropped 27 points, five rebounds, four assists, and knocked down four 3-pointers.
Guard Marcus Smart is an outstanding defender and playmaker in the backcourt. Smart uses his instincts to consistently jump into passing lanes and make the read as a passer. The Oklahoma State product logs 11.4 points, 6.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. On March 17, Smart had 15 points, six assists, and four steals.
Why the Pacers can cover
Center Myles Turner has solid quickness and movement skills for a big. Turner owns a smooth jumper and stretches the floor consistently. The Texas product also defends the rim with ease, ranking fifth in the NBA in blocks (2.3). Additionally, he averages 17.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and shoots 37% from 3-point land. In the March 9 contest against the Houston Rockets, Turner logged 21 points, five rebounds, and seven blocks.
Guard Buddy Hield is a superb marksman on the perimeter who thrives as a floor spacer due to his stout shooting range and smooth release. The Oklahoma product averages 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and shoots 42% from beyond the arc. On March 16 against the Milwaukee Bucks, Hield finished with 20 points, six assists, and knocked down three 3-pointers.
How to make Pacers vs. Celtics picks
SportsLine's model has simulated Celtics vs. Pacers, and it is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 238 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits over 50% of the time. You can only get the pick at SportsLine.
So who Pacers vs. Celtics? And which side hits over 50% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to find out which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.
