An Eastern Conference matchup features two teams on opposite trajectories as the Boston Celtics travel to Indianapolis to take on the Indiana Pacers. The Celtics aim to solidify their standing among the conference’s top teams, while the struggling Pacers are desperate to break a losing streak and find some positive momentum at home.
1. Game Overview
- Matchup: Boston Celtics (18-11) at Indiana Pacers (6-24)
- Date: Friday, December 26, 2025
- Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
- Time: 7:00 PM EST
- TV Schedule: Live coverage will be available on ESPN.
2. Team Form and Analysis
Boston Celtics:The Boston Celtics enter this contest with a solid 18-11 record, positioning them as a strong contender in the Eastern Conference. Their recent form has been steady, with a 3-2 record over their last five games. Led by key players like guard Jaylen Brown, the Celtics have consistently demonstrated the ability to compete with the league’s best. Historically, Boston has had the upper hand in this matchup, holding a 111-87 all-time regular-season record against the Pacers.
Indiana Pacers:The Indiana Pacers are in the midst of a difficult season, holding a 6-24 record. The team is currently on a five-game losing streak, a stretch where their offense has struggled, averaging just 100.0 points per game. Under the guidance of veteran head coach Rick Carlisle, the Pacers will look to key contributors like forward Pascal Siakam and guard Andrew Nembhard to generate a much-needed spark on their home court and attempt to pull off a significant upset.
3. Injury Report
While official injury reports are released closer to game time, the provided search results did not contain specific player injury designations for this matchup. Teams are required to report player participation status by 5 p.m. local time the day before a game. For the most current information, it is recommended to check the official reports.
4. Betting Odds Breakdown
- Spread: Celtics -8.5. This indicates that the Celtics are the favorites to win the game. For a bet on the Celtics to be successful, they must win by 9 or more points. A bet on the Pacers wins if they either win the game outright or lose by 8 points or fewer.
- Total (Over/Under): 221.5. This is the total combined points oddsmakers expect both teams to score. Bettors can wager on whether the final score will be over or under this number.
5. Prediction
The Boston Celtics are the clear favorites in this matchup, and for good reason. The significant disparity in team records, combined with the recent form of both squads, points toward a Celtics victory. Indiana is currently on a five-game slide and has had difficulty scoring, which is a major concern against a competitive Celtics team. While the Pacers are playing at home, Boston’s talent and consistency should be enough to overcome the home-court advantage.
Prediction: Boston Celtics 118, Indiana Pacers 105. The Celtics will win and cover the -8.5 spread.
Sources:
Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers Head-to-Head in the NBA Regular …
2025-26 Team Comparison – Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers …
Indiana Pacers vs Boston Celtics Basketball Head To Head, Score …
Boston Celtics Last 6 Game Stats Vs Pacers | StatMuse
Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers History – NBA
Indiana Pacers vs Boston Celtics head to head
NBA Team Standings & Stats | NBA.com
Rick Carlisle Bio | The Official Website of The NBA Coaches …
Rick Carlisle of the Pacers has a chance to become the fourth head …
Rivalry renewed: Why this absurd Knicks-Pacers series could signal …