NBA Playoff Game 1 Indiana Pacers vs Boston Celtics: Odds, Tips and Predictions 5/21/24

The Boston Celtics have advanced to their fifth Eastern Conference Finals since Jayson Tatum joined them. Unfortunately, Kristaps Porzingis remains sidelined, but there is optimism that he may return soon.

Indiana returns to the Conference Finals after falling to Miami in 2014. Can they prove injuries weren’t the driving factor by defeating injury-riddled Milwaukee and New York squads?

The Pacers offense is outstanding, but the defense has been lacking, but during the playoffs they have been much better on the defensive end of the floor.

Pacers vs Celtics

• Spread: Celtics -10
• Moneyline Pacers +350
• Moneyline Celtics -452
• Over/Under 222

These odds were updated at 6 am EST on 05/21/24, coming from Draft Kings.

Our Best Pick: Celtics to Cover

The Celtics entered Game One of their Round 2 matchup against the Cavaliers well rested but showed no rust with an impressive 25-point blowout win. Both losses came after blowout wins in game one at home. The Pacers were winless against Boston during the regular season but proved an unpredictable threat due to their three-point shooting ability.

Fair play being done, the Celtics didn’t rely heavily on 3-point shooters either against against either the Miami Heat or Cleveland Cavs despite both teams shooting well beyond the arc. As a result, they entered this series fully aware that four out of their five starting positions for Indiana Pacers feature players capable of shooting 3-pointers from long range. The Celtics should remain vigilant, hoping to take advantage of the Indiana Pacers’ rapid play and force them into making difficult shots that should come within range of them. As their pace makes up an asset to them, so should it dovetail perfectly with the Celtics strengths.

Take a look at Brown and Tatum’s scoring averages against Indiana; each averaged over 28 points per game against them. They both thrive in transition play and should give the Celtics an edge at the forward spot. Given their size advantage over the Pacers, the Celtics should fare well without Porzingis in this series as well. While no guarantees can be given regarding game 2, given their rest, edge at forward, and stronger defense, I expect they should come out victorious in game 1. Check out the latest Western Conference odds for the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

DraftKings

4.6/5

Tip: Bet the Celtics to Cover

• Rebounding will be the key
• Celtics at Home
• Celtics well-rested

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Pacers vs Celtics Moneyline

The Pacers on the moneyline is a great value pick. the problem is I don’t see them winning this game. The Pacers went through a brutal seven game series against the Knicks while the Celtics are well-rested after dominating the Cleveland Cavaliers If you are looking for the best sportsbook, we’ve got you covered as we break down the best sports betting app

DraftKings

4.6/5

Tip: Bet Celtics to Cover

• Money line value on Pacers
• Give the Celtics and the Points
• KTatum to have a big game

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Pacers vs Celtics Over/Under Analysis

The Over/Under is 222 in this game. This is tricky over/under, but I would lean towards the under. I expect the Pacers to have tired legs in game one and to struggle with some shooting. The Pacers had a historic shooting night in the game seven wins at madison Square Graden and I doubt that will continue at least in game one of this series

DraftKings

4.6/5

Tip: Bet the Under 222

• Odds favor game in the High 90s
• Game will be played at a fast pace
• Rebounding will be key

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Pacers vs Celtics Spread Analysis

This point spread is about right. The Pacers are dangerous because they are capable of scoring a lot of points quickly, which makes them a dangerous team. I think the Pacers will put up a fight in this series, just not in game one.

DraftKings

4.6/5

Tip: Bet the Celtics to Cover

• Which team controls the post
• Celtics are more experienced
• Pacers need to shoot lights out

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Pacers vs Celtics Head-to-Head

The Celtics won all the regular season games between these two teams, of course that means nothing come playoff time, but the Celtics matchup well against the Pacers. Check out our guide to betting on NBA Playoff Parlays.

Injuries and Suspensions

Pacers Injury Report

• Mauthrin- Out

Celtics Injury Report

• Porzingis- Out

Conclusion

The Pacers have proven now they can win a big-time game on the road, but the Celtics are a much taller order than facing the Boston Celtics. The Pacers will have tired legs and the Celtics will pull away early. This series will begin in Game two. Celtics 115  Pacers 97.