The Game 1 showdown between the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics certainly lived up to playoff intensity. Fans enjoyed a thrilling overtime battle that ended with the Celtics edging out the Pacers 133-128. Jaylen Brown’s clutch three-pointer to tie the game with just six seconds remaining in regulation exemplified the high stakes and dramatic moments that define postseason basketball.
Given the dramatic finish to Game 1, the excitement and anticipation for Game 2 is understandably high. Many will be eager to see how the Pacers adjust their strategy to counter Boston’s playmakers and whether the Celtics can continue their momentum. If Game 1 is any indication, this series promises to deliver more high-energy, closely fought contests, captivating basketball enthusiasts with every play.
Let’s look at the betting odds on both teams for this upcoming matchup.
Bet on Pacers vs. Celtics
IND +9.0
BOS -9.0
Pacers vs. Celtics Betting Odds
| Pacers Moneyline Odds | +310 @ bet365 |
| Celtics Moneyline Odds | -368 @ Pinnacle |
| Over/Under | Over 224.5 points (-105) @ Caesars Under 222.5 points (-110) @ PowerPlay |
| Spread | Pacers +9.0 (-105) @ Caesars Celtics -8.5 (-110) @ BetMGM |
| Series Odds | Pacers +900, Celtics -1600 @ bet365 |
| Time/Date | May 23, 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Broadcast: TSN1/4 Stream: NBA League Pass (How to watch the NBA in Canada?) |
Betting the Indiana Pacers (8-6 SU, 8-6 ATS, 9-5 o/u)
The Indiana Pacers demonstrated strong team performance and individual brilliance in Game 1 of their series against the Boston Celtics. However, late-game turnovers by Tyrese Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard proved costly, allowing the Celtics to force overtime and eventually secure the win. Despite this setback, the contributions from key players like Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner were significant, with each notching double-doubles and scoring over 20 points. Haliburton’s 25 points and 10 assists showcased his dual-threat capability as a scorer and facilitator. Siakam’s all-around game with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists highlighted his importance as a versatile forward, and Turner’s presence in the paint with 23 points and 10 rebounds emphasized his role as a critical interior force for the Pacers.
Looking ahead to Game 2, the Pacers are undoubtedly focused on minimizing mistakes and capitalizing on their offensive capabilities to even the series before heading back to Indiana. The team’s ability to bounce back from adversity and adjust their game plan will be key in overcoming a resilient Celtics team. The Pacers will aim to harness the positive aspects of their Game 1 performance, particularly their offensive distribution and rebounding strength, to secure a victory in the next game and shift the series momentum in their favour when returning home for the next two games.
Betting the Boston Celtics (9-2 SU, 6-5 ATS, 6-5 o/u)
The Boston Celtics showcased their resilience and star power in a thrilling overtime victory, with Jayson Tatum leading the charge. Tatum’s standout performance, especially his 10 points in overtime, underscored his ability to take control in crucial moments, finishing the game with a stellar 36 points and 12 rebounds.
Jrue Holiday also played a pivotal role, contributing significantly across the board with 28 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals. His all-around game and defensive prowess were crucial in keeping the Celtics competitive throughout the tightly contested match. Jaylen Brown’s consistent scoring touch provided additional firepower, tallying 26 points along with 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
As the series moves into Game 2, the Celtics are well-positioned to leverage their current momentum, aiming to extend their lead before the series shifts to Indiana. The team’s ability to produce under pressure, coupled with contributions from key players like Tatum, Holiday, and Brown, will be essential as they face a determined Pacers team eager to even the score. The Celtics’ focus will likely be on maintaining their offensive efficiency and tightening up defensively to prevent the Pacers from gaining easy scoring opportunities. Heading into Game 2 with a potential 2-0 lead could give the Celtics a significant psychological advantage as they play away from home, where maintaining control of the series pace will be crucial.
Pascal Siakam over 23.5 Points + Assists
-115
Pacers vs. Celtics Injury Concerns
- Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder) has been ruled out for the season.
- Kristaps Porzingis (calf) won’t play in Thursday’s Game 2 or Saturday’s Game 3 against the Pacers.
- For personal reasons, Xavier Tillman is questionable for Thursday’’s Game 2 against the Pacers.
NBA Betting Trends
- In the five times the two teams played this season, the game cleared the total points line in four of them.
- Game 1 exceeded the total points over, with 261 total points.
NBA Player Prop Trends
- Al Horford has recorded under 7.5 rebounds in his last 4 out of 5 games. His line is at -115 to record under 7.5 rebounds against the Pacers.
- Jayson Tatum recorded under 2.5 threes in his last 1 out of 11 games in the playoffs. His line is at +100 to record under 2.5 threes against the Pacers.
- Pascal Siakam has recorded over 23.5 points and assists in his last four out of five playoff games. His line is at -135 to record over 23.5 points and assists against the Celtics.
Pacers vs. Celtics Predictions
- Jaylen Brown over 6.5 First Quarter Points: +110. Jaylen Brown’s consistent first-quarter scoring against the Indiana Pacers throughout the season, combined with his recent playoff performances, underscores his ability to start games strongly. In each regular-season game against the Pacers except one, Brown scored more than 6.5 points in the first quarter, demonstrating his effectiveness in establishing an early offensive presence. Notably, he scored ten first-quarter points in Game 1 against the Pacers and will look to have a hot start in the first quarter in Game 2.
- Over 224.5 Total Points: -110. Given that the total points line of over 224.5 has been surpassed in four of the last five regular-season games between these teams, as well as in Game 1 by a considerable margin, there’s a strong indication that both sides have the offensive capabilities to make it a high-scoring affair. Both teams boast talented offences consistently demonstrating their ability to engage in such matchups. Furthermore, even without overtime, this line would have been cleared. Given their recent performance history and offensive prowess, there is a reasonable expectation that this trend of games exceeding the projected points total will continue.
