The Boston Celtics (18-11) and Indiana Pacers (6-24) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. The game will broadcast live on FDSIN.
The Celtics are 8.5-point favorites over the Pacers on the spread (Celtics -8.5), with the over/under set at 221.5 total points. Boston is a -370 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Indiana is +275 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Celtics vs. Pacers predictions and NBA picks for Friday, December 26.
Celtics vs Pacers Prediction, Picks
- Celtics vs Pacers pick: Over 221.5 (-110)
My Pacers vs Celtics best bet is on the over, with the best price currently available at bet365. However, make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Celtics vs Pacers Odds
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8.5 -105 | 221.5 -110o / -110u | -370 |
| Pacers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8.5 -115 | 221.5 -110o / -110u | +275 |
Celtics vs Pacers NBA Preview
Three out of the last four matchups between these teams have ended with a total score over tonight's 221.5 points line.
Seven of the previous nine Indiana games have produced total scores of 220 points or more.
The Celtics rank 17th in points per game with 116.0, and the Pacers are dead last with 109.2 — both teams combining for 225.2.
This aligns with our Bet Labs recommendation to go with the over tonight.
Celtics vs Pacers Prediction, Betting Analysis
The Contrarian Overs, Good Road Teams system in NBA totals betting is built on the idea that strong traveling teams can drive pace and scoring in matchups where the market leans too heavily toward the under.
By focusing on regular-season games outside of division play, the system avoids slower rivalry environments and taps into contests that tend to be more open and less physical.
It targets overs specifically when the betting public and money trends show a clear lean toward the under, creating a contrarian opportunity where expectations are suppressed but conditions for scoring remain strong.
The away team must be early enough in its season to still carry energy and identity, and it must also be coming off a decisive win, a signal that its offense and confidence are functioning at a high level.
When these elements align, strong road teams often set the tone, push pace, and elevate scoring beyond market expectations, making the over more attractive precisely when it is being overlooked.
Pick: Over 221.5 (-110, bet365)
