Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

The Boston Celtics took full advantage of their home-court games for a 2-0 lead. After a tense overtime win in Game 1, the top-seeded Celtics put on the afterburners and raced to a convincing 126-110 victory in Boston. Game 3 shifts to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with the Pacers desperate to stop a potential series blowout. Despite being back home, the Pacers are significant underdogs as they desperately try to avoid falling into a 0-3 series dilemma. However, the Pacers boast an impressive 11-game winning streak at home and will have to find a way to play after losing playmaker Tyrese Haliburton to an injury.

Basketball: NBA Playoffs, Eastern Conference Final Game 3

Where to Watch: ABC

Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind

Date: 26.05.2024. 03:35

The Indiana Pacers' offense stuttered in Game 2, failing to click consistently against the Celtics' solid defense. The Pacers failed to replicate their play against the Celtics' defense in Game 1, a situation not helped by the loss of All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton to a left hamstring injury in the third quarter. Haliburton had already contributed 10 points and 8 assists before exiting to an injury that had sidelined him earlier in the regular season. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 28 points, but the team lacked a creative outlet without Haliburton's playmaking skills.

We've got to play together. This team got where we are by playing together, and it's on us to continue.

Paschal Siakam

The Boston Celtics restated their championship credentials in Game 2 after a poor display in Game 1, dismantling the Indiana Pacers by 126-110. Jaylen Brown, who skipped from the All-NBA selections, underlined his status by scoring 40 points and equaling his career playoff high. Jayson Tatum and Derrick White contributed 23 points each; Al Horford led the defense with 10 rebounds, while Jrue Holiday made 10 assists. The Celtics' offense looked imperious, moving the ball around with ease and hitting their shots with great efficiency. The Celtics seemed to be on a mission to prevent the near debacle that was Game 1 where they needed a last-ditch 3-pointer from Brown to force overtime.

I think he (Brown) cares about it in a way that motivates him, and I think he doesn't really care about it at all," said about Brown's omission. He understands that winning is the most important thing. He just cares about the right stuff.

Joe Mazzulla (Boston Celtics Coach)

Indiana Pacers are 3.25 underdogs at home on Betway with Boston Celtics 2.36 on the (-10.5) spread. Over 220 is priced at 1.667 on 1XBET, with the under available for 2.15. Jaylen Brown is 1.60 to score 25 points, while 2.35 odds is the price for Paschal Siakam to hit 25. Read more.