Celtics vs. Pacers Prediction, Odds, Line, Start Time: 2023 NBA Picks, March 24 Best Bets From Computer Model

An Eastern Conference showdown has the Indiana Pacers (33-40) on the road to a fight against the Boston Celtics (50-23) on Friday night. This will be the third and final regular season fight between these teams. Those clubs split the first two games, with Boston earning a 142-138 overtime win on Feb. 23. Tyrese Haliburton (ankle) is questionable for the Pacers.

Tipping is due at 7 p.m. ET at TD Garden in Boston. Caesars Sportsbook ranks Boston an 11.5-point favorite in the latest Pacers vs. Celtics odds. The over/under for total runs is 236. Before making any Celtics vs. Pacers picks, be sure to check out the NBA predictions and SportsLine projection model betting tips.

The SportsLine projection model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has generated more than $10,000 in player profits from $100 on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four seasons. The supermodel enters Week 23 of the 2022-23 NBA season with a stunning 69-36 score on all NBA top picks this season, netting nearly $2,900. Anyone who follows him has seen huge returns.

Now the model has set his sights on the Pacers vs. Celtics and has just locked in his NBA picks and predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model choices. Here are the NBA lines and trends for the Celtics vs. Pacers:

• Difference Pacers vs. Celtics: Boston -11.5
• Pacers vs. Celtics Over-Under: 236 points
• Silver line Pacers vs. Celtics: Boston -650, Indiana +460
• IND: Pacers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games against a team with a winning record at home
• BOS: Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games against a team with a losing road record
• Pacers picks vs. Celtics: See the picks on SportsLine

Why the Celtics can cover

Guard Jaylen Brown continues to be an athletic and explosive three-tiered scorer. Brown has the ability to slide to the rim while possessing a reliable rider on the outside. The two-time All-Star is 11th in the NBA in points (26.7) with 6.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. In Tuesday’s win over the Sacramento Kings, Brown lost 27 points, five rebounds, four assists and knocked down four 3-pointers.

Guard Marcus Smart is an exceptional defender and playmaker in the backcourt. Smart uses his instincts to constantly jump into passing lanes and do the reading as a passer. The Oklahoma State product is recording 11.4 points, 6.4 assists and 1.5 steals per game. On March 17, Smart had 15 points, six assists and four steals.

Why the Pacers can cover

Center Myles Turner has strong speed and movement skills for a big one. Turner owns a slick jumper and stretches the floor consistently. The Texas product also defends the rim with ease, ranking fifth in the NBA in blocks (2.3). Additionally, he’s averaging 17.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and shooting 37% from 3-point field. In the March 9 game against the Houston Rockets, Turner recorded 21 points, five rebounds and seven blocks.

Guard Buddy Hield is a superb perimeter sniper who thrives as a ground spacer due to his robust firing range and smooth release. The Oklahoma product is averaging 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and shooting 42% from beyond the arc. On March 16 against the Milwaukee Bucks, Hield finished with 20 points, six assists, and knocked down three 3-pointers.

How to make Pacers vs. Celtics picks

SportsLine’s model simulated the Celtics versus the Pacers, and it looks at the total, projecting the teams to combine for 238 points. The model also indicates that one side of the gap hits more than 50% of the time. You can only get the pick on SportsLine.

So which Pacers versus Celtics? And which side hits more than 50% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to find out which side of the spread you should jump on, all from the model who crushed his NBA picks, and find out.