The Indiana Pacers will try to break a four-game losing streak as they head to TD Garden to face the Boston Celtics tonight.
Boston loves to slow the game down and should find success against one of the league's worst offensive teams, which is why Pacers vs. Celtics predictions back the Under.
Let’s break down tonight’s matchup for bettors in my free NBA picks for Monday, December 22.
Pacers vs Celtics prediction
Pacers vs Celtics best bet: Under 225.5 (-110)
I have two expectations for this game.
First, the Boston Celtics should be able to implement their slow pace of play they’ve employed so effectively for most of the season. Secondly, Boston should have little trouble winning at home against the Indiana Pacers.
Put those factors together, and the Under is an easy play tonight.
The Celtics are among the slowest teams in the NBA, ranking ahead of only the Houston Rockets in most pace metrics. They play to an average of just 227.0 ppg, while holding opponents to 110.5 ppg on 44.7% shooting. Boston has held each of its last 11 opponents to below 120 points.
The Pacers will be lucky to even sniff those numbers. Indiana ranks dead last in the NBA in offensive efficiency, averaging just 110.2 ppg on the year.
It would struggle to score against Boston anywhere, but I’m expecting even less on the road, as the Pacers are 1-12 away from home this year.
The Celtics won’t light up the scoreboard against a solid enough Indiana defense, but should still win comfortably against a Pacers offense that brings little to the table. That means a low-scoring affair, which is why I’m taking the Under.
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Pacers vs Celtics same-game parlay
While I like the Celtics to win this game comfortably, a double-digit spread feels a little too ambitious given the low score I'm expecting.
That’s why I’m taking the Under, though I’ll combine it with the Over on Jaylen Brown’s scoring in our SGP, as he’s gone for 30+ points in six straight games.
Pacers vs Celtics SGP
- Under 225.5
- Pacers +12
- Jaylen Brown Over 29.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: C's and desist
Six assists is a reasonable target for Pritchard — especially in a longshot SGP — as he’s hit that target in five of his last seven games.
Pacers vs Celtics SGP
- Under 225.5
- Pacers +12
- Jaylen Brown Over 29.5 points
- Payton Pritchard Over 5.5 assists
Pacers vs Celtics odds
- Spread: Pacers +12 | Celtics -12
- Moneyline: Pacers +475 | Celtics -650
- Over/Under: Over 225.5 | Under 225.5
Pacers vs Celtics betting trend to know
The Under is 5-1 in Indiana’s last six games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Pacers vs. Celtics.
How to watch Pacers vs Celtics
| Location | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date | Monday, December 22, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN-Indiana, NBCS-Boston |
Pacers vs Celtics latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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