The Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers are preparing for a crucial Game 3 showdown in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday, May 25, 2024. The action tips off at 8:30 PM EST at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with ABC providing national coverage.
Boston enters as 7-point road favorites, and the over/under is set at 222.5 points. NBA player props favor Jaylen Brown to come back to earth after his 40-point showing, while Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is listed as questionable on the injury report.
Here is our Game 3 Celtics vs Pacers prediction, along with odds and player props to bet.
Celtics vs Pacers Prediction
The Celtics have been absolutely dominant in the first two games of this series. They survived a late deficit to steal Game 1 in overtime and then cruised to a 16-point win in Game 2. Jaylen Brown has been on fire, putting up 33 points per game over the first two contests, including a 40-burger in Game 2.
Despite their perfect 6-0 home record this postseason, the Pacers have their work cut out for them, especially with star point guard Tyrese Haliburton listed as questionable due to a hamstring issue. Haliburton is the engine that makes this Pacers offense go, and if he can t suit up, it would be a huge blow to Indy s chances.
time to defend our house đź‘Š
Indiana Pacers (@Pacers)
The Celtics have been road warriors throughout the playoffs, going a perfect 4-0 in Miami and Cleveland while holding opponents under 100 points in all but one game. Even if Haliburton plays, he likely won t be at 100%, which could spell trouble against a locked-in Boston defense.
However, we can t ignore the Pacers home-court advantage, which has been a major factor in their playoff success. They ve won 11 straight games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse dating back to the regular season, including all six home playoff games.
The electric atmosphere should give the Pacers a boost, even if Haliburton is limited or can t go. While the Celtics are the more talented team, the Pacers have proven they can compete at a high level in front of their home fans. Expect a hard-fought battle with the Pacers rallying behind their home crowd to keep things close and cover the 7-point spread.
BOS-IND Game 3 Pick:
Pacers +7 (-110)
Celtics vs Pacers Odds