Celtics smothering defense locks down Pacers offense

When: Monday, December 4 at 7:30 PM ET
Who: Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers
Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN

An in-depth analytics take reveals an upcoming defensive masterclass from the Boston Celtics, ready to stifle the Indiana Pacers' offensive firepower in Monday's NBA in-season tournament duel.

As we gear up for an intriguing clash between the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers, one thing is certain: defense is going to reign supreme.

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This isn't just a gut instinct; it's a conclusion drawn from a deep dive into the wealth of data surrounding these two teams.

Moneyline
Celtics	-210	-195	-190
Pacers	+170	+170	+163

Let's start with the Celtics, who have been in a league of their own lately. They've notched up impressive winning streaks of five, six, and three, asserting their dominance at the top of the East regular-season standings.

Even without Kristaps Porzingis, their injured 7'3" titan, they've managed to keep the wins rolling in.

The Celtics' adaptability has been a testament to their resilience and depth, with seven players reaching double-figure points in their 125-119 home win over the 76ers.

The Celtics' secret weapon in their recent run of form? Al Horford. Horford has been an undeniable force on the court after notching up 36 points, 15 rebounds, nine assists, and five blocks in his last two games.

The Celtics coach, Joe Mazzulla, attributes Horford's success to his offensive rebounding and defensive creativity. If Horford can maintain his current form, he's set to be a key player in the upcoming game against the Pacers.

Boston Celtics To win game

-195

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Now, let's talk about the Pacers. They've been making waves with their offensive prowess, leading the NBA in scoring at 128.8 points per game.

However, they might be facing the Celtics without their star player, Tyrese Haliburton, who sat out their recent 144-129 win over the Miami Heat with a knee injury.

Tyrese Halliburton’s In-Season Tournament stats:

28.5 PPG
13.5 APG
4 .0 RPG
49.3 FG%
46.7 3P%
87.5 FT%

MVP. pic.twitter.com/ohytn9KzIq

— HaliMuse (@TyreseHaliMuse) November 27, 2023

Haliburton's absence could be a significant blow to the Pacers' offensive game, leaving them vulnerable to the Celtics' suffocating defense.

Still, the Pacers have home court advantage, and coach Rick Carlisle is rallying fans to create the loudest, most intimidating atmosphere possible.

But will this be enough to overcome the Celtics' defensive onslaught? The data suggests otherwise.

Indiana Pacers To win game

+170

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Total Points

Total Runs
Over 241.5 Points	-110	-110	-110
Under 241.5 Points	-110	-110	-110

The Celtics and Pacers have faced off once this season, and it was a one-sided affair. The Celtics trounced the Pacers 155-104, with Jayson Tatum scoring 30 points in just 27 minutes.

Four scorers with 20+ PTS last night 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Qk6KgYKZ8U

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 2, 2023

This massive point differential indicates the Celtics' ability to stifle the Pacers' offense, even when they're performing at their peak.

So, get ready for an exciting showdown as these two Eastern Conference powerhouses collide.

If the Celtics continue their defensive dominance and exploit the Pacers' potential vulnerability without Haliburton, it's likely we'll see them advance to the tournament semifinals in Las Vegas.

The numbers paint a clear picture: it's not just about who scores the most points but who can stop the other team from scoring. And right now, the Celtics look primed to do just that.

So, let's buckle up, sports fans. We're in for a defensive masterclass. The Celtics are set to serve up a reminder that in basketball, a solid defense can be the best offense.

Under 241.5 points Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers

-110

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