Pacers vs. Celtics Game 2 Prediction, NBA Playoff Odds

Edgar Chaput | Updated May 22, 2024

NBA: Playoffs-Indiana Pacers at Boston Celtics

The Eastern Conference Finals got off to a rollicking start in Game 1. The Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics - who lead 1-0 - will go at it again in Game 2 on Thursday night.

Indiana
47-35
AT
May 23, 2024, 8:00 PM ET
TD Garden
Boston
64-18
Pointspread +8.5 -105
Moneyline +300
Over / Under o +224.5

0%

Betting Action

58%

Pointspread -8.5 -115
Moneyline -400
Over / Under u +224.5

0%

Betting Action

58%

After Indiana and Boston made it out of the first two rounds by dispatching opponents severely hampered by injuries, it was perhaps fitting that their conference final Game 1 would hang on a knife’s edge. Neither had the benefit of pouncing on a weakened rival, both are replete with talent, and it made for an excellent game. The Celtics pulled out a 133-128 overtime win to lead the series 1-0.

The NBA Playoff odds continue to favour the Celtics for the second match, with a slightly tighter spread of -8.5.

Pacers vs. Celtics NBA Betting Odds

For the series as a whole, regardless of the number of games, Boston remains a massive favourite (-2000), but Indiana’s figure took a hit with the loss in Game 1. They’ve gone from +600 to +1000.

As for the number of games, Boston’s figures have only slightly shifted. A sweep has gone from +270 to +240, a 4-1 series win is +140 (previously +179), a six-game series is +450 (previously +400), and one that goes the distance is +650 (previously +600).

Unfortunately for Indiana, the odds for their outlook looks significantly more glum. A 4-2 series victory, which was +1400, is now +2000. Seven games is +2500. Should the Pacers somehow win the next four games, someone taking the +6600 will look like a genius.

Xavier Tillman (personal) is still day-to-day for Boston.

Indiana Pacers

In the aftermath of the Game 1 defeat, Aaron Nesmith felt his team “gave it away.” The frustration was surely palpable. However disappointing it was that a game the Pacers could have won slipped through their fingers, there are plenty of positives to build on to strike back in game 2.

Indiana executed an incredible 38 assists. Even considering that the match required an extra session, that’s still extremely high. The ball movement inside the perimeter was at times beguiling for viewers to admire and befuddling for Boston’s defence to stop. Tyrese Haliburton had 10 to his name to go along with 25 points. Myles Turner didn’t assist as much (four) but he finished with 23 points, most of which came in the first half, bolstered by 3-for-4 shooting from beyond the arc. Siakam had a solid night (24 points and 12 rebounds), and the Pacers’ bench remained true to its potent self, with both Obi Toppin (15 points) and T.J. McConnell (13 points) having good nights.

Regarding Jaylen Brown’s game-tying three, there wasn’t much more Siakam could have done. It happened. However, the turnovers must be cleaned up, as Indiana committed 22 in total.

Boston Celtics

We have now seen the Celtics win a critical and close contest. After blowing the doors off clearly weaker sides, Boston showed that is has some metal in its bones after all. They raced out to a quick 12-0 lead, suggesting the night would be easy. It was anything but. Even so, the Celtics arguably needed a game like this to show the doubters that they have this sort of gutsy performance in them.

There are no two ways about it. This was their most difficult game of the playoffs. Whatever punch Boston landed, Indiana struck back with aplomb. The Celtics will also need to play better defence against midrange shots. A forgotten art form, the midrange jumper kept the Pacers in the game all night long and nearly won it for them. This is when Kristaps Porzingis (still injured) is required. Jayson Tatum had the ultimate Tatum-esque game: 36 points and 12 rebounds, yet can be criticized for missing some shots that, yes, he should have made.

Jrue Holiday was excellent, finishing 28-7-8 and Al Horford had three awesome blocks, indulging one that resulted in a successful coaches challenge less thann a minute into the game. Brown (28 points) was only 1-for-4 from long range, but he hit the most important one, so he can be forgiven.

NBA Playoff Prediction: Who Will Win Pacers vs. Celtics Game 2?

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