Pacers vs. Celtics odds, props, predictions: Will Tyrese Haliburton be back for rubber match?

The Pacers are in Boston tonight looking to win the season series with the Celtics. They have split their four matchups so far this season in some of the highest scoring affairs in the league.

The Celtics took the first game 155-104, and the Pacers took the last game between them 133-131, both of which hit the OVER. Tuesday’s contest is expected to be just as high scoring, which makes it one of the best on the calendar.

The Pacers recently traded for Pascal Siakam and have split the six games he has been in uniform. However, two of their last three wins have come over the Suns and 76ers. That’s in large part due to his production, which they’ll need to keep pace with the first-place Celtics. Both are top five in points per game, but the Celtics are also top five in points allowed per game.

If you’re looking for betting action, this game is as good as it gets. Below are the live odds for Pacers vs. Celtics, and additional betting information, including prop picks. 

Pacers vs. Celtics odds: Point spread, moneyline, and total

Pacers betting news: Siakam finding his grove, Tyrese Haliburton availability up in the air

Siakam is beginning to find his rhythm with his new team. After three consecutive losses to start his tenure in Indiana, they have now won three straight games – Philly, Phoenix, and Memphis. In those games, he is averaging 25.3 points (three points above his season average).

He is doing so shooting 54.7 percent from the field and nearly 40 percent from deep. He is averaging 25 points per game against Boston in his last nine meetings, which should help a great deal tonight. 

That’s especially so if their star point guard Tyrese Haliburton can’t suit up. Haliburton is a game-time decision due to a hamstring injury that has caused him to miss the team’s last five games. Haliburton injured his hamstring against the Celtics earlier this month during the team’s 133-131 win. He has shared that he intends to play, but his level of effectiveness is up in the air as hamstring injuries tend to linger. 

However, they’ll certainly welcome his 24 points, and nearly 13 assists back to the lineup. They have dropped to the sixth seed and are just three losses away from the eighth seed. If that continues, they’ll be forced into the play-in tournament, which would be a disappointment given how they started the season. 

Celtics betting news: Boston offense struggling in January despite positive record

Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis’ health is up in the air yet again. He has missed the last two games (13 total) and is currently listed as a game-time decision for tonight’s game. The Celtics are 10-3 in his absence this season, but one of those losses without him came against the Pacers. If Haliburton plays, his offensive production may be needed to keep pace with the league’s highest-scoring offense. 

The other two members of the Celtics’ “Big 3” in Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown are having solid months in January, but the rest of their starting lineup hasn’t been as successful. Both Jrue Holiday and Derrick White’s scoring average and shooting percentage are down from December, which rears its ugly head the most against teams with quality offenses.

Although the Celtics have won seven of their last 10 games, they have endured some not-so-pretty losses, including a 135-102 thrashing at the hands of the Bucks and a 115-96 defeat at home against the Clippers.

Trying to keep pace with Indiana tonight could expose their offensive woes as of late yet again if Haliburton takes the court and Porzingis doesn’t. 

Pacers vs. Celtics player props

Despite the Celtics’ defensive abilities, their matchups with the Pacers favor offense. Below are some of the best player props to consider for the game at BetMGM.

Jason Tatum player props

• OVER points ()
• OVER three-pointers ()

Jalen Brown player props

• OVER points ()
• OVER assists ()

Tyrese Haliburton player props

• OVER points ()
• UNDER three-pointers ()

Pascal Siakam player props

• OVER points ()
• OVER rebounds ()

Pacers vs. Celtics prediction

There seems to be more optimism for Haliburton to play than Porzingis, which gives the Pacers the edge despite the moneyline. The Pacers offense is as potent as they come, and the Celtics have struggled to contain it all season long. Additionally, they are likely to be without their 20 points per game, floor spacing big man, which has proven to be a challenge against quality offenses.