The Boston Celtics (4-0) take on the Indiana Pacers (1-3) on Wednesday, Oct. 30.
The Pacers are coming off a 119-115 loss to the Magic after allowing Paolo Banchero to go for 50 points. Meanwhile, the Celtics remain undefeated after four impressive wins to kick off the 2024-25 campaign.
Which team will win this rematch of the Eastern Conference Finals? Keep reading for my Pacers vs. Celticspicks, predictions and same-game parlay for Wednesday, Oct. 30.
Pacers vs Celtics Picks, Predictions, Same-Game Parlay
- Jaylen Brown 25+ Points (-115)
- Boston Celtics -7 (-110)
Parlay Odds: +223 on FanDuel
Remember to bet responsibly â this is a long shot for a reason.
Jaylen Brown 25+ Points
Indianaâs defense allowed the most paint attempts per game last season, and opponents are still carving it up.
Rick Carlisleâs strategy is partly to blame, but itâs mostly due to personnel. The Pacersâ guards cannot stay in front of ball-handlers, and Myles Turner does not deter rim attempts.
To sum it up, drive-heavy scorers are their primary weakness. Cade Cunningham (28 points), Jalen Brunson (26), and Paolo Banchero (50) have already scorched them this season. Jaylen Brown is next up.
The reigning Finals MVP easily leads Boston in drives per game and paint attempts per game at the moment, so heâs best equipped to dismantle Indiana here.
As for recent history, Brown faced the Pacers nine times last season. The champion scored 25-plus points in seven of those nine contests.
Celtics -7
Although the Pacers played them tight during their postseason matchup, look for the Celtics to comfortably win here.
Brown is set up for a huge game, and Jayson Tatumâs improvement as a passer means Indiana can't afford to double him. I expect the Jays to lead an offensive explosion with Jrue Holidayâs bully ball and Derrick Whiteâs all-around game providing supplementary buckets.
On the other end, Tyrese Haliburton is in the midst of a shooting slump, and the much-anticipated leap has not come for Andrew Nembhard. Thatâs concerning against this lockdown Boston backcourt.
Myles Turner may miss the game with a sprained ankle, too. If heâs out, then the Pacers are down to just Isaiah Jackson at center.
Finally, sharpshooter Sam Hauser is expected to return for Boston. His 3-and-D value provides the bench with a huge boost.
