The Indiana Pacers (27-20) and the Boston Celtics (36-11) are set to face off in an Eastern Conference showdown on Tuesday. The Pacers are currently on a three-game winning streak and are coming off a 116-110 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. On the other hand, the Boston Celtics hold the top seed in the Eastern Conference and continue to be one of the best teams in the NBA.

The game is scheduled to tip-off at 7:30 p.m. ET at TD Garden in Boston. According to the latest Pacers vs. Celtics odds, the Celtics are favored by 7 points, as per the SportsLine consensus. The over/under for total points in the game is set at 245

Why the Celtics can cover
Forward Jayson Tatum is an incredibly talented offensive player who possesses excellent footwork. He has a reliable jump shot that allows him to consistently stretch the floor, and as a former Duke player, he also demonstrates strong rebounding skills for the Celtics. Tatum currently ranks 11th in the league in scoring with an average of 26.8 points per game, and he leads the team with an impressive 8.4 rebounds per game. In a recent game on Saturday, Tatum contributed 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Guard Jaylen Brown is another dynamic scorer known for his athleticism. He quickly attacks the basket and possesses the ability to effortlessly soar above the rim. Brown, who is 27 years old, averages 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. During a game against the Dallas Mavericks on January 22, Brown had an outstanding performance with 34 points, four assists, and two blocks.

Why the Pacers can cover
Forward Pascal Siakam, who recently joined the Pacers, is a highly influential player known for his impressive agility given his size. As a product of New Mexico State, Siakam maintains solid averages of 22.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and five assists per game. In a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 25, Siakam showcased his impact by recording 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. This performance further exemplifies Siakam's ability to contribute to the game in various ways.

Guard Mathurin, whose availability is uncertain, is a versatile offensive player. He excels as an aggressive slasher and exhibits a reliable shooting touch from the perimeter. As a first-round pick in 2022, Mathurin contributes an average of 14.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. In his most recent game, Mathurin displayed his skills by accumulating 24 points and seven rebounds.

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The New Orleans Pelicans and Houston Rockets are scheduled to face off at the Legacy Arena at BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama, with the game set to start at 7 PM Central Time on October 12th. In the preseason opener on Tuesday, October 10th, Orlando secured a 122-105 victory over the Pelicans.

In the previous season, the Houston Rockets finished in 14th place in the Western Conference, specifically ranking 4th in the Southwest Division, having achieved a record of 22 wins and 60 losses. Meanwhile, New Orleans ended the season with a 42-40 record, landing them in 9th place in the Western Conference and securing the 2nd position in the Southwest Division.