3rd Quarter Report
After a tough defeat on the road in their last outing, the Indiana Pacers are showing a renewed sense of purpose on their home court. As the game progresses, they currently lead the Boston Celtics 100-86, giving their fans a glimmer of hope for a turnaround in their season. The Pacers entered this matchup with three consecutive losses, and the pressure is on to avoid making it four. Can they maintain their lead, or will the Celtics snatch victory from the jaws of defeat? Only time will tell.
Who’s Playing
Tonight’s matchup features the Boston Celtics visiting the Indiana Pacers. The current records tell a compelling story: Boston stands undefeated at 4-0, while Indiana struggles with a record of 1-3. The stakes are high for the Pacers as they aim to turn their season around against a formidable opponent.
How To Watch
Fans can catch the action on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 7 p.m. ET. The game will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. For those unable to attend in person, it will be broadcast on ESPN. Additionally, viewers can follow the game through the CBS Sports App or stream it online via fuboTV, which offers a free trial (note that regional restrictions may apply).
What to Know
The Pacers will be relying on their home-court advantage as they face the Celtics, who are riding high on a five-game winning streak dating back to last season. Indiana’s recent form has been less than ideal, with three straight losses weighing heavily on their confidence. Their last game saw them narrowly lose to the Orlando Magic, 119-115, marking the second consecutive game they lost by just four points.
Despite the losses, there were bright spots for the Pacers. Pascal Siakam delivered an impressive performance, nearly achieving a double-double with 26 points and nine rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton also shone, coming close to a triple-double with 19 points, nine rebounds, and ten assists—his highest assist total since April. These standout performances suggest that the Pacers have the talent to compete, but they need to find a way to close out games.
On the other hand, the Celtics are riding a wave of momentum after their recent victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, winning 119-108. The Celtics showcased a balanced team effort, with Payton Pritchard emerging as a standout player. He lit up the scoreboard, going 8 for 12 from three-point range, contributing 28 points, five rebounds, and two steals. Pritchard’s recent form has been impressive, as he has steadily increased his scoring output over the past three games.
As the Pacers look to improve their record to 2-3, they face a tough challenge against a Celtics team that has proven to be a dominant force. The Celtics’ victory against Indiana in their last encounter, a close 105-102 game back in May, adds an extra layer of motivation for the Pacers to seek redemption.
Odds
According to the latest NBA odds, the Boston Celtics are favored to win by 6.5 points against the Indiana Pacers. The over/under for the game is set at 235 points. Bettors will be keenly watching how both teams perform, especially given the Pacers’ underdog status at home for the first time this season.
Series History
The historical matchup between these two teams leans heavily in favor of the Celtics, who have won 8 out of their last 10 games against the Pacers. Recent encounters have been closely contested, but Boston has consistently found a way to come out on top. The last few games have seen scores like 105-102, 114-111, and 126-110, showcasing the competitive nature of this rivalry. As the Pacers prepare to face the Celtics once again, they will be eager to change the narrative and secure a much-needed victory on their home turf.