The upcoming match between the Indiana Pacers and the Boston Celtics is highly anticipated. The Pacers have been struggling this season, with a poor recent record of only two wins in their last ten games. In contrast, the Boston Celtics have won eight of their last ten matches, boasting a 70% win rate. The Pacers' defensive issues are particularly noticeable. They have conceded high scores to opponents in several recent games. Their defeats against the Milwaukee Bucks and the New Orleans Pelicans, where they were behind at halftime and failed to recover, highlight these struggles. However, they managed a victory against the defensively weaker Chicago Bulls, relying on their strong offensive performance. The Celtics often demonstrate the ability to come from behind or maintain a lead. This was evident in their away win against the Toronto Raptors and their home victory over the Miami Heat, where they secured victory through a strong second-half performance. They have also performed well against weaker teams like the Detroit Pistons, avoiding upsets, although they have shown some vulnerability against stronger teams like the Milwaukee Bucks. In this encounter with the Boston Celtics, the Pacers' ability to improve their defense will be crucial to the game's outcome. The Celtics possess superior team tactics and individual star power. Unless their performance fluctuates significantly, they are likely to control the game. While the Celtics appear stronger, anything can happen in a game. For the struggling Indiana Pacers, this match is a key opportunity to regain confidence and turn their form around. The Boston Celtics will aim to showcase their competitive spirit as they pursue their season goals. 12-27 08:00 Indiana Pacers Boston Celtics Match Prediction: -8.5, Boston Celtics Win, Away