Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers Prediction 1/12/2026 Today’s NBA Picks

The Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers collide at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday night. Here’s a Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers Prediction. This article will include a Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers Pick.

Boston Celtics Betting Preview 

The Boston Celtics have been in fine form as they’ve won nine of their last 12 games overall, but they are looking to bounce back in this one after coming up just short to the Spurs in a 100-95 loss on Saturday. Derrick White led the team with 29 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, Jaylen Brown added 27 points with eight rebounds and seven assists while Luka Garza chipped in with 11 points off the bench.

As a team, the Celtics shot just 41 percent from the field and 16 of 44 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with their defense by holding the Spurs to just 21 points in the first quarter to take the early lead. However, they didn’t get much support from their role players, which cost them in the second half where they managed just 40 points to allow the Spurs to take the lead for good in the fourth quarter. Payton Pritchard has been in great form lately, but he struggled in this one as he shot just two of nine from the field for his four points. 

Indiana Pacers Betting Preview 

Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers look to have moved on from their ugly 13-game losing streak as they are now aiming for a season-high third straight victory after making light work of the Heat in a 123-99 home win on Saturday. Andrew Nembhard led the team with 29 points and nine assists on 10 of 16 shooting, Micah Potter added 14 points off the bench while Jarace Walker chipped in with 13 points, nine rebounds and four assists.

As a team, the Pacers shot 45 percent from the field and 17 of 40 from the 3-point line as they stormed out of the gates to an early double-digit lead after outscoring the Heat by 36-18 in the first quarter. They followed that up with a 38-point explosion in the third quarter to push the margin out to 29 points at one stage. 

Why the Indiana Pacers will win

• The Celtics have lost nine of their last 10 games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse following a home loss.
• The Pacers have won five of their last six home games against Atlantic Division opponents following a win.
• The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six night games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse following a home loss.
• The Pacers have covered the spread in each of their last six Monday games against Atlantic Division opponents that held a winning record.

Why the Boston Celtics will win

• The Pacers have lost 18 of their last 19 night games against teams that held a winning record.
• The Celtics have won each of their last 10 games as road favorites following a home loss.
• The Celtics have covered the spread in each of their last nine games as road favorites against Eastern Conference opponents following a loss.
• The Pacers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last three games against Atlantic Division opponents following a win.

Total Points Facts

• Seven of the Celtics’ last eight night games against Central Division opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
• Each of the Pacers’ last four home games have gone UNDER the total points line.

Indiana Pacers Player Facts

• Aaron Nesmith is one of only six qualified players to have made a three in every game this season.

Boston Celtics Player Facts

• Neemias Queta ranks 1st in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for FG% (65.1%) this season.
• Anfernee Simons ranks 10th amongst qualified players for three-pointers made per 36 minutes (3.8) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Pacers rank 30th in the league for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (28.5).
• The Pacers rank 30th in the league for Q2 points per game this season (27.2).
• The Celtics rank 1st in the league for three-point field goals made per game this season (15.9).
• The Celtics rank 30th in the league for free throws made per game this season (15.0).

Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers Prediction

The Celtics are still missing Jayson Tatum, they have ruled out Jaylen Brown, and they are keeping an eye on Sam Hauser who is questionable, while the Pacers have ruled out Bennedict Mathurin, Tyrese Haliburton and Isaiah Jackson once again. The Celtics come into this contest as the more consistent team in better form, but they will be without Brown in this one, which puts more pressure on Pritchard and White to carry the offensive burden.

Just a couple of games ago, the Pacers would still be heavy underdogs in this matchup, but they’ve come to life with a couple nice wins, and they can certainly pull off the upset against a vulnerable Celtics squad. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the Celtics won comfortably, but I just sense that we’re about to see an upset in this one, so I will back the Pacers with the points.

Peter Tran's Pick: Indiana +6.5