The Boston Celtics (26–16) host the Indiana Pacers (10–34) at TD Garden on Wednesday night in a matchup that heavily favors the home team. Boston enters as an 11‑point favorite, reflecting their superior record and efficiency compared to Indiana’s struggles this season. The over/under is set at 226.5, a number that aligns closely with both teams’ scoring averages.
The Celtics have been strong when scoring above 118 points, while the Pacers’ defense has been porous, allowing 118.3 points per game. With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles injury, Jaylen Brown’s availability looms large, though Boston’s depth has proven capable of carrying the load.
Indiana, meanwhile, is missing key contributors like Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin, leaving Pascal Siakam as their primary offensive weapon. This game sets up as a test of Boston’s ability to cover a double‑digit spread and Indiana’s resilience in the face of adversity. Bettors will weigh whether Boston’s balanced attack can overwhelm Indiana’s depleted roster or if the Pacers can sneak inside the number.
Boston has consistently delivered as a favorite, winning 19 of 28 games in that role this season. Their defense ranks second in the league, allowing just 110 points per game, while Indiana’s offense averages only 110.1 points. That combination suggests the Celtics can control tempo and limit the Pacers’ scoring opportunities.
Boston’s ATS record when favored by 11 or more is modest (2–2), but Indiana’s undermanned roster makes this spot favorable. The Pacers are just 7–30 as underdogs overall, and their defense has been leaky, giving up nearly 118 points per game. Jaylen Brown’s scoring surge (29.8 PPG) should offset the absence of Tatum, while Derrick White and Payton Pritchard provide reliable secondary scoring.
Boston’s ability to rebound and protect the rim further tilts the matchup in their favor. Expect the Celtics to dictate pace, exploit Indiana’s defensive lapses, and cover the spread in a game that could easily end in a double‑digit margin.
This parlay leans into Boston’s strengths. Brown has been a consistent scorer, and the Celtics’ pace combined with Indiana’s defensive struggles should push the total over. Pairing that with the spread creates a correlated outcome where Boston’s offense drives both the cover and the over.
This longshot ties together Boston’s defense with Indiana’s reliance on Siakam. White’s playmaking complements Brown’s scoring, while the Pacers’ depleted roster makes it likely they fall short of 109 points. If all align, the payout is enticing.
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Trends to Know for Celtics vs. Pacers
Celtics are 18–0 when scoring more than 118.3 points.
Pacers are 4–2 ATS when underdogs by 11+ points this season.
Boston has covered the spread in 24 of 42 games.
Indiana has gone over the total in 36.4% of games.
Celtics are 2–1 against the Pacers in their last three meetings.
Pacers average 110.1 points, nearly identical to Boston’s defensive average allowed (110).
Latest Injuries & NBA Injury Report
Team
Player
Injury
Status
Celtics
Jayson Tatum
Achilles
Out
Celtics
Josh Minott
Ankle
Out
Celtics
Jaylen Brown
Illness
Probable
Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton
Achilles
Out For Season
Pacers
Bennedict Mathurin
Thumb
Out
Pacers
Obi Toppin
Foot
Out
What time is Celtics vs. Pacers?
The Celtics vs. Pacers game tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
Where is Celtics vs. Pacers being played?
The game will be played at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
How can I watch Celtics vs. Pacers on TV and live stream?
Fans can watch the game on FDSIN, NBCS‑BOS, and WTHR‑13, with streaming options available through NBC Sports and ESPN platforms.
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