Indiana Pacers are currently experiencing a significant slump, having lost six consecutive games. Their recent form shows a win rate of only 20% over the last ten matches, placing them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Even playing at home hasn't improved their performance, with a home win rate just above 30%. Their defence is particularly weak, conceding nearly 117 points per game, making it difficult to pose a challenge to their opponents. A curious observation is that despite their poor record, the Pacers have surprisingly performed well against the Boston Celtics in their past ten encounters, covering the spread in eight of those games. This suggests a potential disconnect between their on-court performance and the betting lines, perhaps indicating an intentional underestimation of the home team. Boston Celtics are enjoying a strong run, with three consecutive victories and an 80% win rate in their last ten games, positioning them third in the Eastern Conference. Their away record is also commendable, with a win rate above 50%, reflecting balanced offensive and defensive capabilities. However, the betting lines for this match are quite intriguing. Despite the absence of a key player for the Boston Celtics, the spread has been set at a substantial 8.5 points, which is high compared to their past meetings. This increase in the spread, despite the player's absence, appears unusual. This suggests a strategy to capitalise on the Celtics' winning streak by generating increased interest in the favoured team.