Indiana Pacers vs Boston Celtics (5:00pm PST)

The Pacers know what they’re going to get from George on a consistent basis. The 25-year-old is one of the best players in the league when healthy. Monta Ellis has stepped up his play as of late. Ellis is averaging 16.6 points and 6.3 assists in the last 10 games. It’s important for George Hill to get going. Last season with George out, Hill was the best player on the Pacers. The 29-year-old averaged 16.1 points and 5.1 assists. This season Hill has been up-and-down. On the year, he is averaging 12.4 points and 3.2 assists. It’s important for Hill to get going as he plays the game’s most important position, the point guard spot. Hill will likely have to go up against the likes of Kyle Lowry, Kyrie Irving, and Jeff Teague once playoffs come around.

Boston averages 102.3 points per game this year which ranks them 9th in the league. Their average scoring margin is 3.2 and their shooting percentage is 43% as a team which has them sitting in the 26th spot in the league. Behind the arc they shoot 32% which is good for 27th in the NBA. They average 53.6 rebounds per game and 23.6 assists per contest which ranks them 6th and 6th respectively. In the turnover department the Celtics rank 14th with 14.7 per game. The Celtics allow 99.1 points per game to their opponents which ranks them 10th in the league. They also allow a 43% shooting percentage and a 32% average from behind the arc ranking them 4th and 3rd in those defensive statistics. Opponents average 56.1 rebounds a game which ranks 30th and they give up 19.8 assists per contest which puts them in 4th place in the league. The Celtics force 17.1 turnovers per game which ranks them 1st in the NBA.

In order for Boston to end their losing streak they will have to put an emphasis on their defense tonight. I'm predicting the Pacers finally regress as they been scoring at will against teams! I look for the total to fall between the 190-195 range. Take the Under.

Pick: Under 204 (-110)