The Boston Celtics (24-14) and Indiana Pacers (8-31) will face off in the NBA on Monday night. Tipoff from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will broadcast live on Peacock.
The Celtics are 5.5-point favorites over the Pacers on the spread (Celtics -5.5), with the over/under set at 226 total points. Boston is a -210 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Indiana is +175 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Celtics vs. Pacers predictions and NBA picks for Monday, January 12.
Celtics vs Pacers Prediction, Picks
- Celtics vs Pacers pick: Andrew Nembhard to Record a Double-Double (+350)
My Pacers vs. Celtics best bet is on Andrew Nembhard to record a double-double, with the best price currently available at bet365. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Celtics vs Pacers Odds for Monday, Jan. 12
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -110 | 226 -110o / -110u | -210 |
| Pacers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -110 | 226 -110o / -110u | +175 |
Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers NBA Preview
The Celtics went 13-3 over a stretch before losing two of their last three games heading into tonight’s potential get-right spot.
The Pacers are an NBA-worst 8-31 though, but they're riding a red-hot two-game winning streak after picking up victories over the Hornets and Heat last week. That 122-99 win over Miami marked Indiana's first victory of the season by more than 15 points.
While the Celtics have "struggled" lately, they lost to the Nikola Jokic-less Nuggets on Wednesday, and then to the Spurs on Saturday — with the latter coming on the second night of a back-to-back. Both losses came at home.
The Celtics are likely to be without Jaylen Brown (back) and Josh Minott (ankle) tonight. Sam Hauser (hamstring) is questionable.
The Pacers,have a loaded injury report, as usual.
Indiana will be without Bennedict Mathurin (thumb), Obi Toppin (foot), Isaiah Jackson (concussion) and Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles). Andrew Nembhard (back) is also questionable.
Celtics vs Pacers Betting Predictions, Analysis
Let's take a long shot for tonight. On today's episode of the Buckets podcast, one play I shouted out was Andrew Nembhard to record a double-double at +350.
Nembhard is questionable to play tonight, but if active, he's recorded double-doubles in three of eight games and is averaging roughly 18 points and nine assists during that span.
That stretch includes an 18-point, eight-assist performance against the Celtics the day after Christmas. Four days earlier, he was also within striking distance, posting 20 points and seven assists against Boston.
This was a pure value shot for me at +350 on bet365. If he plays, anything at +300 or better feels worth a little sprinkle.
Celtics vs Pacers Best Bet
- Andrew Nembhard Double-Double (+350)
Pacers vs Celtics Betting Trends
For the latest on NBA injuries, be sure to check out our NBA Injury Report page.
