The Boston Celtics (6-2) travel to Indiana to play the Pacers (6-3) in what should be a low-scoring game. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 3, 2018, and will air on NBATV.
Boston opened as a 1-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 207.5 points.
Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers Betting Prediction
In the Celtics’ last outing, they covered the 2-point spread against the Milwaukee Bucks, 117-113. The game’s combined points (230) were over the projected point total of 220.5. Boston’s 10.9 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Milwaukee, who had a rate of 12.5. The Celtics’ mark was better than their season average of 11.8. With 28 points on 10-for-20 shooting, Kyrie Irving was Boston’s leading scorer.
The Pacers edged the Chicago Bulls in their last game, 107-105, but were not able to cover as 6-point favorites. The combined points for the game (212) were over the O/U total of 208.5. One of Indiana’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 20-22 (90.9 percent), while the Bulls were just 8-9 (88.9 percent). Victor Oladipo was the game’s top scorer with 25 points on 9-for-19 shooting from the field.
These two teams split four games last season. The Pacers won the last game 99-97. Indiana had a better effective field goal percentage (0.556 vs. 0.494). Boston, on the other hand, did an excellent job of making free throws (17-21; 81.0 percent).
Boston comes into the contest with records of 6-2 straight up (SU) and 4-4 against the spread (ATS). Oddsmakers have a tendency to place the total high when the Celtics are involved, as 62.5 percent of their games have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Indiana owns records of 6-3 SU and 4-3-1 ATS. Pacers games have no tendency in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Points could be at a premium as two of the league’s premier defenses go head-to-head. Dating back to last season, Indiana ranks fifth in defensive efficiency (105.9) and Boston is first (102.3).
Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers Betting Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Pacers, ATS Winner – Pacers, O/U – Under
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Boston is 45-8 when they allow under 100 points, while Indiana is 31-5.
In games where they reach 100 points, the Pacers are 46-19 and the Celtics are 57-16.
Indiana ranks fourth in points in the paint per game (45.4) while Boston ranks last (39.8).
The Pacers rank first in points off turnovers per game (18.6) while the Celtics rank 25th (15.0).
Indiana ranks fourth in fast break points per game (15.0) while Boston ranks 26th (9.8).
The Pacers rank fourth in blocks per game (4.2) while the Celtics rank 24th (4.5).
Boston ranks eighth in three pointers attempted per game (30.9) while Indiana ranks 28th (24.5).
The Celtics rank 10th in rebounds per game (44.3) while the Pacers rank 29th (42.0).
Boston ranks fourth in second chance points allowed per game (11.1) while Indiana ranks 18th (12.5).
The Celtics rank third in assists allowed per game (21.2) while the Pacers rank eighth (22.7).
Indiana ranks second in steals allowed per game (6.9) while Boston ranks fifth (6.9).
*****
