Indiana Pacers vs Boston Celtics Prediction NBA Picks 12/29/24

Indiana Pacers 

The Indiana Pacers look to have cooled off from their five-game win streak as they are now looking to avoid a third straight defeat after getting trounced by the Celtics in a 142-105 road defeat on Friday. Tyrese Haliburton led the team with 19 points and nine assists, Bennedict Mathurin added 18 points while Jarace Walker chipped in with 15 points and five assists off the bench. As a team, the Pacers shot just 41 percent from the field and 11 of 39 from the 3-point line as they struggled right from the tipoff and leaked 39 points in the first quarter to fall into an immediate double-digit deficit which only grew as the game wore on. Ben Sheppard had a rough game as he shot just one of seven from the field to finish with just two points while Johnny Furphy finished scoreless on zero of six shooting off the bench. The Pacers will face the Bucks and Heat following this one.

Boston Celtics 

Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics have been a little below their best lately as they've lost three of their past five games, but they will be feeling much better after blowing past the Pacers with ease on Friday. Jaylen Brown caught fire early and led the team with 44 points on 16 of 24 shooting, Jayson Tatum added 22 points with 13 rebounds and four assists while Payton Pritchard chipped in with 18 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists off the bench. As a team, the Celtics shot 51 percent from the field and an efficient 23 of 56 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with 39 points in the first quarter to jump out in front and they just kept their foot on the gas till the end to earn the much-needed win to snap a two-game skid. The Celtics will take on the Raptors after this game.

Why the Boston Celtics will win

• The Celtics have won each of their last 10 games against the Pacers at TD Garden following a win.
• The Pacers have lost 12 of their last 13 night games at TD Garden.
• The Pacers have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last 10 games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The home team has covered the spread in 10 of the last 13 games between the Pacers and Celtics.

Indiana Pacers vs Boston Celtics Prediction

The Pacers are still missing Aaron Nesmith and they have Obi Toppin listed as questionable, while the Celtics have listed Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis as questionable here. It's always tough to beat the same team twice in a row, but the Celtics have been tough to beat at home all season and they should be able to get another big win here as long as they don't look past these Pacers. The line is hefty, but I will stick with the Celtics to take care of business in this spot.