Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers 1/6/24 – In the realm of NBA betting prediction, the upcoming clash between the Boston Celtics (26-7) and the Indiana Pacers (19-14) is shaping up to be a titanic battle. Scheduled for Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET, this game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse promises to be an intriguing showdown in the NBA. With the Celtics’ impressive record against the Pacers’ recent surge in form, this game is a must-watch for any basketball fan.
| When: | Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Gainbridge Fieldhouse |
| TV: | BSIN |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Jayson Tatum did WHAT?! 😱 https://t.co/jYZFbr29NF
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 6, 2024
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celtics | -5.5 -110 | o245.5 -110 | -208 |  |
| Pacers | +5.5 -110 | u245.5 -110 | +175 | |
| ||||
Jayson Tatum (SF) vs. Tyrese Haliburton (PG)
Jayson Tatum has inserted himself into the MVP discussion by averaging a career-high 27 points per game. The 24-year-old is scoring from all three levels and getting to the free throw line with ease. However, he occasionally struggles with efficiency and has had turnover issues. Tatum will need to value each possession against a scrappy Pacers defense.
Meanwhile, point guard Tyrese Haliburton has catalyzed Indiana’s offense with his elite distribution. He leads the NBA with 12.7 assists per game and has a ridiculous 5:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Haliburton is also scoring nearly 25 points per contest by leveraging his outside shooting gravity to attack closeouts. His lack of explosiveness can make finishing at the rim a challenge at times though.
This matchup will likely come down to which team’s star can exploit the other’s weaknesses. If Tatum can leverage his one-on-one scoring ability against Haliburton’s just average defense, the Celtics should have the edge. But if Haliburton can pick apart Boston’s defense and set up teammates for open looks, the Pacers can certainly pull off the upset.
Celtics’ Dominant Play
The Celtics boast the NBA’s most efficient offense, scoring 120.8 points per 100 possessions. They excel at generating open three-pointers and shots at the rim thanks to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s individual brilliance and the team’s constant off-ball movement. Boston also values the basketball, committing the second-fewest turnovers in the league. This polished offensive system will test Indiana’s improving defense.
Pacers’ Offensive Firepower
While not as efficient as Boston’s offense, the Pacers can fill it up with the best of them. Indiana is scoring nearly 127 points per game during its five-game win streak by getting out in transition and lighting it up from three. Haliburton is an expert at creating wide-open looks for his teammates via penetration and kicking. This red-hot offense hopes to keep up its blistering pace against the NBA’s #1 defense.
NBA Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD
Betting odds are still being finalized, but considering the teams’ performances, this game could be a close one. The Celtics might be favored due to their superior record, but the Pacers’ recent form should not be underestimated.
Trends
Boston Celtics Betting Trends
Celtics are 4-1 in their last 5 games.
Boston Celtics are 2-3 in their last 5 games against the spread
Celtics are 6-9 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 4 of Celtics’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 9 of Celtics’ 16 last games at home
Indiana Pacers Betting Trends
Pacers are 5-0 in their last 5 games.
Indiana Pacers are 5-0 in their last 5 games against the spread
Pacers are 9-8 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Pacers’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 13 of Pacers’ 17 last games at home
Injuries
Boston Celtics
No reported injuries
Indiana Pacers
Andrew Nembhard PG Is “?” Saturday vs Boston, Back
Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers Betting Picks
Both teams boast electric offenses led by All-Star players in Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton. Based on the teams’ current forms and playing styles, this game seems to be leaning towards a high-scoring affair, with a good chance of the total going OVER. The Celtics, with their strong defensive stats and offensive efficiency, seem to have a slight edge, but the Pacers’ recent form and home advantage could be decisive factors.
For those seeking the premier sportsbook online for placing their bets, this matchup offers several intriguing betting angles, including point spreads, outright winners, and over/under bets. Sign up today to make your NBA betting prediction!
Score Prediction: Celtics 118, Pacers 114.
