The set-up: The 36-34 Indiana Pacers currently own the No.6 seed in the East but they are just one game up on No. 7 Milwaukee, 1 1/2 games up on No. 8 Miami and just 2 1/2 games up on Detroit, which currently is on the outside looking in on the playoff picture. Boston's All-Star point PG Isaiah Thomas (29.1 & 6.0 APG) returned from a two-game absence due to knee issues on Monday and led the Celtics to a 110-102 victory with 25 points, as the 45-26 Celtics moved 2 1/2 games ahead of the Wizards in the East standings (Boston is the No. 2 seed and Washington the No. 3 seed).

Indiana: The Pacers beat the Jazz 107-100 on Monday, keeping their streak alive that has seen them alternate wins and losses over their last 14 contests. It's also noteworthy that in its last eight games, Indiana has alternated wins and losses with each of the wins coming at home where the Pacers are 25-10. The Pacers are on the road here (11-24 SU), so if form holds, Indiana is in for a rough night.The good news for the Pacers is that standout SF Paul George (22.4-6.4-3.3), who returned from the break in a shooting slump, has put that in the past, as he's averaged 25.7 PPG in March on 48.9 percent shooting from the floor, including 41.1 percent on threes.shooting

Boston: The Celtics are actually within reach of the 46-23 Cavs for the No. 1 seed (Boston is two games back) but have said that they will prioritize the health of Thomas and others down the stretch. Thomas was not 100 percent on Monday but wanted to play in an important game in terms of the standings and came away without any further issues physically. "I think it's about playing good basketball," Celtics head coach Brad Stevens told reporters before Monday's game. "That stuff sorts itself out. Obviously, you want to be as good of a seed as you can. I think that there's no question about that. But, again, I'd like to have some healthy games here to play some good basketball and see if we can figure ourselves out as we head into the next month-plus."

The pick: The Celtics have won both games against the Pacers this season, despite each of them being played in Indianapolis. Yes, the Pacers have alternated wins and losses their last 14 and are coming off a win (they are do for a loss) and yes, the Pacers are a woeful 11-24 SU on the road. However, the Pacers are from from having secured a playoff seed, no less even assured themselves of one of the East's eight playoff spots.As noted above, the Celtics will be cautious with their players down the stretch (especially with Thomas) and I want all the points we are getting tonight. Make the Pacers an 8* play.