After starting off the season with three straight home games, they get their first game on the road at Indiana. The Pacers are entering this matchup hot on the heels of a 94-82 win over the red-hot Detroit Pistons. A win is of utmost importance as the Pacers look to a playoff spot later into the season.
It’s going to be an exciting Eastern clash between these two teams. Check out more of tonight’s basketball action with our complete previews for the Knicks vs. Cavs and Spurs vs. Wizards.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers Preview
Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indiana
When: Wednesday, November 4, 7:00 PM ET
Line: Boston Celtics (-2.5) at Indiana Pacers (+2.5); total 201.0 – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics seem to have shored up their defense early into the season. They’re allowing 95.4 points per 100 possessions compared to last season’s 102.1. Despite strengthening their defense, the Celtics dropped back-to-back games after winning their season-opener against Philadelphia.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Isaiah Thomas has been the best player on the Celtics’ roster thus far, leading the team with 22.3 points and 6.3 assists per game off the bench. He’s the only Boston player averaging more than 12 points per game this season. Thomas will receive plenty of help if offseason acquisition David Lee could step up his game. Lee, who was with the Warriors last season, has been disappointing to start his campaign as a Celtic averaging just 5.3 points and 6.3 assists per game.
The Celtics may receive a boost for this matchup considering that Indiana ranks 20th in the league, allowing 105 points per game this season. The Pacers are also coming in the second night of a back-to-back so Boston will have the fresher set of legs on the court.
If the Celtics are to take a victory on the road, then they’ll need their starting guards to step up big time. Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley are averaging 12 and 11.7 points per game respectively this season. Of the two, Bradley is due to break out considering he averaged 15.3 points in four games against the Pacers last season.
The Celtics are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games against the Pacers.
Betting on the Indiana Pacers
It hasn’t all been too good since Paul George returned from a gruesome leg injury suffered a year ago. He’s averaging 17 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. But he’s struggled with his shot, shooting just 35 percent from the field. George could be up for a vintage performance against the visiting Celtics. He’s shot 51.6 percent in his last four games against Boston.
The Pacers have also benefitted plenty form George Hill, who’s started the season with 17 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. He’s been incredible hot from three-point range, going 13 of 26 from beyond the arc in four games this season. Boston has allowed opponents to hit 34 percent from downtown this season (19th in the league), so Hill could continue to ride his shooting hand.
Indiana could also benefit from a return to its strengths—tough defense. The Pacers limited Detroit to hit 38.4 percent of field goal attempts last night after allowing opponents to connect with a 46.4 percent clip through the first three games. Hill also had plenty of contributions on defense with four big steals against the Pistons.
Rodney Stuckey gave the Pacers a lift off the bench with 23 points last night. He’s averaging 13 points in 24.8 minutes per game this season. He’ll be a nice scorer off the bench to help offset Boston’s Isaiah Thomas.
The total has gone over in four of the Pacers’ last five games.
Writer’s Prediction
The Pacers (+2.5) hand Boston its third straight loss. Create a betting account now and grab some basketball action for a busy Wednesday night.
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