Celtics vs. Pacers Preview: Odds, Trends, and Game Outlook | Dec. 26, 2025
The Boston Celtics travel to Indianapolis on Friday night to face the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, as both teams enter the matchup in very different form.
Boston arrives with momentum after strong recent performances, while Indiana is looking to halt a three-game home losing streak. Oddsmakers have installed the Celtics as clear favorites in this Eastern Conference matchup.
Game Information
- Date: Friday, December 26, 2025
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis, Indiana)
- TV: FDSN-IN, NBC Sports Boston
- Live Stats: FOX Sports
Betting Lines & Odds
- Spread: Celtics -8.5
- Moneyline: Celtics -360 | Pacers +290
- Total (O/U): 221.5 points
Boston enters the game as an 8.5-point favorite, with expectations of a moderately high-scoring contest based on both teams’ recent trends.
Team Form & Betting Trends
Boston Celtics
The Celtics have gone 8–2 over their last 10 games, covering the spread in seven of those contests. Boston has also averaged 228.2 total combined points across its last 10 games, comfortably above Friday’s listed total.
On the season:
- 16–13 record against the spread
- 12–6 straight up when favored
- Allowing just 110.0 points per game (among the league’s best)
Boston has been especially reliable when scoring above Indiana’s defensive average, winning every game outright in that scenario.
Indiana Pacers
Indiana has struggled recently, posting a 2–8 record over its last 10 games, though it has remained competitive against the spread in several losses.
Season trends include:
- 15–15 ATS overall
- Stronger ATS performance at home than on the road
- Home games hitting the over more frequently than road contests
Despite ranking near the bottom of the league in scoring, Indiana has managed to stay within large spreads, particularly as a heavy underdog.
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Key Matchup Notes
- These teams average 225.2 combined points per game, exceeding the listed total.
- Both teams’ opponents have averaged more than 221.5 points this season.
- Boston won the lone head-to-head meeting between the teams this year.
- Indiana has covered the spread in that matchup despite the loss.
Player Spotlight
Celtics Leaders
- Jaylen Brown: 29.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 4.9 APG
- Derrick White: 18.3 PPG, 5.1 APG, elite perimeter shooting
- Payton Pritchard: 16.8 PPG with steady playmaking
Boston’s offense has been most effective when multiple guards contribute scoring and spacing.
Pacers Leaders
- Pascal Siakam: 23.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG
- Bennedict Mathurin: 18.4 PPG
- Andrew Nembhard: 17.4 PPG, 6.4 APG
Indiana’s offense continues to rely heavily on Siakam’s efficiency and interior scoring.
Game Outlook & Score Projection
Boston enters the matchup with clear advantages in consistency, defense, and recent form. Indiana’s home-court edge and ability to keep games competitive may prevent a blowout, but the Celtics’ depth and efficiency give them the upper hand.
Projected Score:
Celtics 119, Pacers 108
Final Takeaway
The Celtics look positioned to control the tempo and capitalize on Indiana’s defensive struggles, while the Pacers will need an above-average shooting night to keep pace. With both teams trending toward higher totals recently, scoring could come in clusters, especially in the second half.