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Celtics vs. Pacers prediction: Why Boston is favored to win Friday's NBA matchup [12/26/2025]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Ryan Leaver, Senior Sports and Betting Editor
Get Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers predictions for NBA Friday.
The Indiana Pacers will square off with the favored Boston Celtics in NBA action at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday, beginning at 7:00 PM ET.
Based on updated simulation results and today’s injury news, Dimers' advanced NBA model projects the Celtics as the most likely winner of the Celtics vs. Pacers game.
This prediction follows the latest NBA Injury Report, which suggests the Pacers lineup will feature players like Pascal Siakam, Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard, while the Celtics will rely on Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard.
This article offers an expanded analysis of Friday's matchup, including an expanded look at the predicted score, best bets and player prop picks.
Celtics vs. Pacers prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using powerful machine learning and data, we have simulated the result of Friday's NBA matchup between the Celtics and Pacers 10,000 times as part of our NBA predictions coverage.
Our famous predictive model currently gives the Celtics a 74% chance of defeating the Pacers. Our predicted final score has the Celtics winning 114-107.
According to our model, the Pacers (+8.5) have a 53% chance of covering the spread, while the 222.5-point over/under has a 51% chance of staying under.
Celtics vs. Pacers odds
We have researched the best NBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Celtics | Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | -8.5 (-114) | +8.5 (-105) |
| Moneyline | -350 | +295 |
| Total | o222.5 (-105) | u222.5 (-115) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Celtics vs. Pacers picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Pacers +8.5 | -105 |
| Moneyline | Pacers | +295 |
| Total | Over 222.5 | -105 |
According to our best NBA bets, the top play to make on this game is Pacers +8.5 at the spread.
Celtics vs. Pacers player props
Betting on Celtics vs. Pacers NBA player props? We have crunched the numbers to project how each team's leading players will perform at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Jaylen Brown is expected to lead the Celtics with 28 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, while Pascal Siakam is projected to have 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the Pacers.
Check out our NBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and today's NBA first basket picks.
Celtics prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Celtics are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaylen Brown | 28 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 48 |
| Derrick White | 17 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 37 |
| P. Pritchard | 15 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 31 |
| Anfernee Simons | 11 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 20 |
| Neemias Queta | 10 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 26 |
Pacers prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Pacers:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pascal Siakam | 22 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 40 |
| B. Mathurin | 17 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 31 |
| Andrew Nembhard | 15 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 31 |
| Jay Huff | 10 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 24 |
| T.J. McConnell | 9 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 21 |
Celtics vs. Pacers game-day updates and essential details
Friday's game between the Pacers and Celtics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse is scheduled to commence at 7:00 PM ET.
- Who: Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers
- Date: Friday, December 26, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00PM PT
- Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Conclusion
We predict the Celtics, with a 74% win probability, will likely beat the Pacers on Friday, with Jaylen Brown projected for a game-high 48 fantasy points.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Celtics vs. Pacers insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are based on up-to-date data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.
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