Today's top games to watch, best bets, odds: Texans at Steelers, Celtics at Pacers, college basketball, more
The NBA landscape shifts to Indianapolis tonight as the Boston Celtics look to maintain their momentum in the Atlantic Division against the struggling Indiana Pacers. While the headline features a mix of sporting events, for basketball purists, the intrigue lies squarely at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. With the league’s return to NBC and Peacock, the spotlight is brighter, even if the standings suggest a mismatch.
The Celtics, currently sitting at 24-14, find themselves in a fierce battle for the Atlantic crown, trailing the New York Knicks by just a half-game. However, they face this challenge without their superstar forward Jayson Tatum, who remains sidelined with an Achilles injury. In his absence, Jaylen Brown has elevated his game to an MVP caliber level, shouldering the offensive load and keeping Boston within striking distance of the conference elite. His ability to dominate on both ends of the floor will be the focal point of tonight’s game plan.
On the other side, the Pacers are enduring a nightmare season. With a record of 8-31, they languish at the bottom of the Central Division, a staggering 20.5 games behind the surprising division-leading Detroit Pistons. Despite the presence of Pascal Siakam, Indiana has struggled to find consistency, particularly on the defensive end. The potential absence or limitation of Tyrese Haliburton, who is also dealing with an Achilles issue, further complicates their path to an upset.
From a betting perspective, the Celtics open as -5.5 favorites, a line that reflects both their resilience and Indiana’s woes. However, trends suggest caution; the Pacers have covered the spread in seven of their last ten meetings with Boston. The total is set at 226.5, and with the Over cashing in eight of the last ten matchups between these teams, expect points to be scored despite the injuries. While Boston is the superior team, the Pacers' history of keeping games close against the Celtics makes the points an attractive option for bettors looking for value in tonight's action.
The Celtics, currently sitting at 24-14, find themselves in a fierce battle for the Atlantic crown, trailing the New York Knicks by just a half-game. However, they face this challenge without their superstar forward Jayson Tatum, who remains sidelined with an Achilles injury. In his absence, Jaylen Brown has elevated his game to an MVP caliber level, shouldering the offensive load and keeping Boston within striking distance of the conference elite. His ability to dominate on both ends of the floor will be the focal point of tonight’s game plan.
On the other side, the Pacers are enduring a nightmare season. With a record of 8-31, they languish at the bottom of the Central Division, a staggering 20.5 games behind the surprising division-leading Detroit Pistons. Despite the presence of Pascal Siakam, Indiana has struggled to find consistency, particularly on the defensive end. The potential absence or limitation of Tyrese Haliburton, who is also dealing with an Achilles issue, further complicates their path to an upset.
From a betting perspective, the Celtics open as -5.5 favorites, a line that reflects both their resilience and Indiana’s woes. However, trends suggest caution; the Pacers have covered the spread in seven of their last ten meetings with Boston. The total is set at 226.5, and with the Over cashing in eight of the last ten matchups between these teams, expect points to be scored despite the injuries. While Boston is the superior team, the Pacers' history of keeping games close against the Celtics makes the points an attractive option for bettors looking for value in tonight's action.
