Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics Free Prediction 01/09/19

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Expect a defensive battle when the Indiana Pacers (27-13), 6.5-point underdogs, square off with the Boston Celtics (24-15) at TD Garden. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 212.5 points and action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.

Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics Betting Odds

Both teams covered in their last outing. The Celtics (10.5-point favorites) defeated the Brooklyn Nets 116-95, while the Pacers (1-point underdog) beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 123-115. The Boston game finished 8.5 points under the projected point total of 219.5, while the Indiana game went 24.5 points over the projected point total of 213.5.

Indiana’s 5.7 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Cleveland, who had a mark of 15.7. The Pacers’ mark was better than their season average of 13.1, while the Cavaliers’ was above their season average of 11.8. The Celtics, on the other hand, forced 23 turnovers and held the Nets to an effective field goal percentage of 0.475 (below their season average of 0.526). Boston rallied around Kyrie Irving, who finished with 17 points and six assists. Thaddeus Young had a solid performance for Indiana, recording 26 points and five rebounds.

In their first matchup this year, Victor Oladipo led the Pacers to a 102-101 victory. He recorded a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds. The two teams combined for 203 points, which was just under the projected point total of 206, and Indiana covered as a 3.5-point underdog. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Indiana’s largest advantages. They had 25 free throw attempts, while Boston had just nine.

Of the Pacers’ 39 games that accepted bets, 23 have finished under the total. Indiana heads into the contest with records of 27-13 straight up (SU) and 20-18-1 against the spread (ATS).

Contrary to Indiana, Celtics games tend to finish over the total (61.5 percent). Moreover, Boston owns records of 24-15 SU and 21-18 ATS.

Domantas Sabonis and Bojan Bogdanovic have been playing well over the last five games for Indiana. Sabonis has averaged 19 points,9.8 rebounds per game, while Bogdanovic has put up 16 points,5.8 rebounds,1.4 steals a game during that span.

Baskets could be hard to come by as a pair of the league’s premier defenses square off. Boston currently ranks third in defensive efficiency (102.6) and Indiana is second (102.5). Ball security could be troublesome for the Pacers. They rank 22nd at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 14.1 percent), while the Celtics force the fifth-most turnovers in the league (opponents’ turnover percentage of 15.3 percent).

Indiana Pacers at Boston Celtics Betting Pick

Free Prediction: SU Winner – Pacers, ATS Winner – Pacers, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • The Celtics rank second in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.2) while the Pacers rank seventh (15.6).
  • Boston ranks third in three pointers attempted per game (36.4) while Indiana ranks 28th (24.9).
  • The Celtics rank second in blocks allowed per game (3.8) while the Pacers rank 17th (5.3).
  • Boston ranks fourth in fast break points allowed per game (11.5) while Indiana ranks 19th (14.1).
  • Boston ranks third in assists allowed per game (22.2) while Indiana ranks 10th (23.5).
  • The Pacers rank second in rebounds allowed per game (42.5) while the Celtics rank 20th (45.5).
  • The Celtics rank second in steals allowed per game (7.0) while the Pacers rank 11th (7.5).
  • Indiana ranks 10th in points in the paint per game (49.8) while Boston ranks 26th (42.7).
  • Boston is 9-2 when they allow below 100 points, while Indiana is 13-3.
  • The Pacers are 24-6 when they score above 100 points, while the Celtics are 24-12.
  • Indiana is 10-9-1 ATS on the road, while Boston is 13-6 ATS at home.
  • In 20 road games, the Pacers have 11 overs and 9 unders.
  • The Celtics have 11 overs and 8 unders in 19 home games.

Bettings Trends:

  • The Celtics are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Pacers are 2-3.
  • In their last five games, Boston has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Indiana has 5 overs.
  • During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 113.6 points per game (1.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 102.6 points per game (2.7 below their season average).
  • The Pacers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.0, up from 5.8 for the season.