Seen on:
as known from New York Timesas known from USA Todayas known from yahoo!
OH
The Grueling Truth - Where Legends Speak / Betting Tips / NBA Playoff Game 3 Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers

NBA Playoff Game 3 Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers: Odds, Tips and Predictions 05/25/24

NBA Betting Tips · - ·

Publish Date: 05/25/2024
Fact checked by: Mark Lewis

Can the Pacers avoid going down 3-0? Or will the Celtics run away with this series? They say defense wins championships; if that’s the case, the Pacers are in trouble. With Haliburton questionable the Pacers could have a major issue. With Haliburton, I jump all over this line and the Pacers; without him, the Celtics seem like a safe bet at -7. This is a game you don’t bet until you know Haliburton’s status.

 

Celtics vs Pacers

  • Spread: Celtics -7
  • Moneyline Pacers +220
  • Moneyline Celtics -270
  • Over/Under 222.5

These odds were updated at 6 am EST on 05/23/24, coming from Draft Kings.

Our Best Pick: Celtics to Cover

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum struggled greatly in Game 1 against the Pacers, yet still managed to escape with a victory. Brown responded well in Game 2, scoring 40 points while Tatum has looked uncertain and unstable throughout. It probably won’t matter in terms of the finals series against Indiana but worth keeping an eye on nonetheless.

Derrick White and Jrue Holiday have been the driving force behind Boston’s early lead in this series. Both players have made excellent decisions, rebounded at an exceptional level, assisted on most baskets scored by Boston and have demonstrated strong focus on both ends of the court. I simply cannot praise their efforts enough!

Everyone is drawn to Brown and Tatum because of their impressive point averages, but the real reason the Celtics are championship favorites lies with Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday joining as All-Stars as well as White becoming an All-Star level player.

As Haliburton remains uncertain with a left hamstring injury, be mindful that late in Game 2, Haliburton left and didn’t return.

Haliburton is the motor of Indiana’s offense and his absence would be felt immediately by their opponents, particularly against a Celtics team that attempts over 40% of its shots from 3-point range during postseason play. If Haliburton sits, then expect T.J. McConnell to start instead; which could further compromise Indiana’s spacing and 3-point attempt rate – something Haliburton must continue doing if the Pacers want any chance against such competition as Boston who shoot over 40% from 3-point territory themselves.

The Boston Celtics have amassed an offensive rating of 124.2 through two games of this series and it doesn’t appear that the Pacers can consistently stop them, so they will need to find ways to generate more offense themselves. They have shown the ability to score against halfcourt pressure from Boston; Haliburton even scored with them at halftime of Game 2.

Game 1 saw the Pacers outscore the Celtics in halfcourt scoring but struggled in transition, while Game 2 saw them do an admirable job of setting defense but allowing an incredible 122.4 halfcourt offensive rating from Boston.

No Haliburton bet the Celtics, of he can play take the Pacers and the points. I am making this recommendation as if he won’t play.

. Check out the latest Western Conference odds for the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

DraftKings
DraftKings
4.5/5
Tip: Bet the Celtics to Cover
  • Rebounding will be the key
  • Pacers at Home
  • Haliburton questionable
New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES
Get bonus now
To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

The best basketball betting sites

To satisfy the ever-growing market of basketball bettors, the best basketball sportsbooks offer unique user experiences, huge payouts, and fantastic bonuses. Gamers no longer have to go to casinos to find some action physically. Online bookies let you play the game of risk from the comfort of your own home. We hope our guide can point you in the right direction so you can find the best gambling experiences on the internet.

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, unless Haliburton plays. There is no value in the Celtic’s money line. If you are looking for the best sportsbook, we’ve got you covered as we break down the best sports betting app

DraftKings
DraftKings
4.5/5
Tip: Bet Celtics to Cover
  • Money line value on Pacers
  • Haliburton status?
  • Tatum to have a big game
New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES
Get bonus now
To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

 

Pacers vs Celtics Over/Under Analysis

The Over/Under is 222.5 in this game. This is tricky over/under, but I would lean towards the over. I expect the Pacers to score points even without Haliburton but without him the Celtics will score even more.

DraftKings
DraftKings
4.5/5
Tip: Bet the Over 225
  • Odds favor game in the 100s
  • Game will be played at a fast pace
  • Rebounding will be key
New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES
Get bonus now
To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

 

Pacers vs Celtics Spread Analysis

The Pacers are dangerous because they are capable of scoring a lot of points quickly, which makes them a dangerous team. As I have repeatedly said Haliburton is the key. If he plays the spread is slightly too big, if he doesn’t play it should be even bigger.

DraftKings
DraftKings
4.5/5
Tip: Bet the Celtics to Cover
  • Which team controls the post
  • Celtics are more experienced
  • Pacers need to shoot lights out
New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES
Get bonus now
To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

 

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 and have won both games in this series so far. Check out our guide to betting on NBA Playoff Parlays.

Injuries and Suspensions

Pacers Injury Report

  • Haliburton- Out

Celtics Injury Report

  • Porzingis- Out
  • Kornett- Doubtful

 

Conclusion

I am assuming that Haliburton will not play, and if that happens I see a dominant Celtics win. Celtics 122  Pacers 104.

 

Read Also
2026 Sweet 16 Predictions: Find Latest Odds & Best Bets
There are not many warm-and-fuzzy Cinderella stories left in this year’s NCAA ...
March Madness 2026 MVP Betting: Our Picks for the March Madness MOP
The recent history of March Madness has shown that winning the tournament ...
BetMGM Promo
College Basketball Toledo vs Miami: Preview, Prediction and Top prop Bets
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | Time: 7:00 PM ET Location: Millett ...
College Basketball BYU vs Cincinnati: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | Time: 9:00 PM ET Location: Fifth ...
NBA Charlotte vs Dallas: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | Time: 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 ...
College Basketball Iowa State vs Arizona: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Monday, March 2, 2026 | Time: 9:00 PM ET Location: McKale ...
NBA Boston vs Milwaukee: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Monday, March 2, 2026 Time: 7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM ...
NBA Spurs vs Knicks: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026 Time: 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM ...
College Basketball Ohio State vs Purdue: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026 Time: 1:30 PM ET Location: Schottenstein Center, ...
College Basketball Vanderbilt vs Kentucky: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
This SEC clash carries postseason implications wrapped in blue-blood intensity. No. 25 ...
College Basketball Virginia vs Duke: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM ET Location: Cameron Indoor ...
College Basketball Miami RedHawks vs Western Michigan: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Friday, February 27, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM EST Location: University Arena, ...
NBA Lakers vs Suns: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026 Time: 9:00 PM MT / 9:00 PM ...
College Basketball Michigan State vs Purdue: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026 Time: 8:00 PM EST Location: Mackey Arena, ...
Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
Latest Sport News
Top 15 Indiana High School Basketball Players of the 1960s
The 1960s marked one of the most competitive ...
Top 20 Indiana High School Basketball Players of the 1980s
The 1980s were one of the most talent-rich ...
North Dakota State Must Prove Its Dynasty Works Every Week
College football likes to say you have to ...
Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic: Heavyweight Collison 
Filip Hrgovic represents a step on the heavyweight ...
Cal Poly Opens Tim Skipper’s Era on John Madden Night
Before Tim Skipper reaches halftime of his first ...
Hawai’i at Stanford 2026 Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & 4 Prop...
Saturday, August 29, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM ET ...
Our Team
Mike GoodpasterJames ErnestMark LewisAuthor IconJohn Raspanti
+8
Mike Goodpaster
Mike Goodpaster
Chief Editor
James Ernest
James Ernest
Author
Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis
Editor
Author Icon
Christopher Carlson
Author
John Raspanti
John Raspanti
Author
Samuel Teets
Samuel Teets
US Sports Veteran
Daniel Kornhauser
Daniel Kornhauser
Author
Marvin Uzor
Marvin Uzor
Author
Ellis Williams
Ellis Williams
Author
Chris Benedict
Chris Benedict
Editor
Shelley Harcar
Shelley Harcar
Sports Writer
Dr. Jay Gee
Dr. Jay Gee
Author
LaMarr Fields
LaMarr Fields
Author

21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.
CloudflareSSL
×
Your Promo Code:
The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link:
Play now