The Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis is buzzing with anticipation as the Indiana Pacers, mired in a six-game losing streak and holding a 6-24 record, prepare to host the surging Boston Celtics, who enter the contest with an impressive 18-11 mark. Scheduled for Friday, December 26, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET and broadcast on FDSIN and NBCS-BOS, this matchup pits two teams on dramatically different trajectories, each hoping to make a statement as the NBA season barrels toward its midpoint.
For the Pacers, the 2025-26 campaign has been a far cry from their run to the Eastern Conference Finals just a season ago. Plagued by injuries and inconsistency, Indiana has struggled to find its footing, particularly in the absence of star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has been sidelined all year. The Pacers’ woes are compounded by a three-game home losing streak and a league-worst offensive rating of 108.3, producing just 109.2 points per game—dead last among all NBA teams.
Despite their record, the Pacers still boast standout talent. Pascal Siakam, acquired to bolster the frontcourt, has delivered with averages of 23.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists over 29 games. Siakam’s shooting splits—48% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc—underscore his offensive versatility. He’s flanked by Bennedict Mathurin, contributing 18.4 points per game, and Andrew Nembhard, who chips in 17.4 points and 6.4 assists per contest. Yet, even these bright spots haven’t been enough to offset Indiana’s defensive struggles, as the Pacers allow 117.7 points per game, ranking tenth-worst in the league.
To make matters worse, the Pacers have been abysmal on the boards, surrendering an NBA-worst 58.3 rebounds per game. The absence of center Isaiah Jackson due to a concussion only exacerbates their rebounding issues. Rookie Hugo Gonzalez has stepped up defensively, nabbing 11 rebounds and two blocks in a recent outing, but Indiana’s lack of size remains a glaring weakness.
Boston, meanwhile, arrives in Indianapolis riding a wave of momentum. Even without superstar Jayson Tatum, who is absent from the lineup, the Celtics have managed to maintain a top-four offensive rating in the NBA at 121.2. Jaylen Brown has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 29.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. Brown’s consistency has made him a focal point of opposing defenses, but he continues to deliver, going over his points prop in 20 of 27 games this season.
Supporting Brown is a cast of reliable contributors. Derrick White, known for his two-way prowess, averages 18.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while shooting nearly 40% from the field. Payton Pritchard has emerged as a key playmaker, posting 16.8 points and 5.2 assists per game. Down low, Neemias Queta has made the most of his starting role, averaging 10.0 points and 7.9 rebounds. The Celtics’ depth is further highlighted by Anfernee Simons, who adds 13.0 points per game off the bench.
Boston’s formula for success has been its deliberate pace—the slowest in the NBA at 95.7 possessions per game—paired with efficient offense and stifling defense. The Celtics allow just 110.0 points per game, second-best in the league, and have held their opponents to 42.9% shooting. Their methodical approach often frustrates fast-paced teams like Indiana, whose head coach Rick Carlisle prefers to push the tempo. That clash of styles could prove pivotal in determining Friday night’s outcome.
From a betting perspective, the Celtics are solid 8.5-point favorites, with moneyline odds hovering around -345 to -360. The over/under for total points is set at 221.5, with many experts predicting the over, given that both teams’ games have frequently surpassed that mark—Boston in 17 of 29 contests and Indiana in 18 of 30. Recent trends bolster the case for a high-scoring affair: Boston’s last 10 games have averaged 228.2 combined points, while Indiana’s have hit 230.2. The projected final score from multiple sources? Celtics 119, Pacers 108.
Boston’s dominance against the spread is also notable. The Celtics have covered in 16 of 29 games this season and are 5-4 ATS when favored by 8.5 points or more. On the flip side, Indiana is 15-15 against the spread, including a respectable 6-3 mark as heavy underdogs. However, the Pacers’ 16% win rate as underdogs in 25 games underscores their struggles to pull off upsets.
The last meeting between these two teams saw the Celtics prevail, though Indiana managed to cover the spread. Boston’s recent form—8-2 in their last 10 games, with a 7-3 record ATS—suggests they’re hitting their stride at just the right time. The Celtics’ offense, averaging 116.0 points per game, is well-positioned to exploit Indiana’s porous defense, especially if they can dominate the glass and limit second-chance opportunities for the Pacers.
It’s not all doom and gloom for Indiana. The Pacers have performed better against the spread at home (9-7) than on the road (6-8) and have a .500 record as moneyline favorites at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. If Siakam, Mathurin, and Nembhard can get hot and the Pacers’ perimeter defense holds up against Boston’s three-point shooters, there’s always a chance for a surprise. As one preview noted, “Indiana is a complete coin flip, capable of hanging tough or getting blown out against anyone.”
With both teams’ games trending over the point total and Boston’s offense firing on all cylinders, fans can expect an entertaining showdown. Will the Celtics’ methodical attack stifle Indiana’s efforts, or can the Pacers rally behind their home crowd and snap their losing skid? Only time will tell as the action unfolds in Indianapolis.
As the game tips off, all eyes are on Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Celtics look to continue their ascent in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Pacers desperately seek to halt their slide and reclaim some of last season’s magic. For now, the stage is set for a high-stakes battle between two teams with plenty to prove.
