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

The Indiana Pacers have everything to do as they host the Boston Celtics in a do-or-die Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals in Indianapolis. The Celtics hold a commanding 3-0 lead and are heavy favorites to close out the series. The Pacers, despite a valiant effort in Game 3, saw their 11-game winning streak at home come to an end and must now find a way to win four straight games, a feat no team has ever accomplished from a 3-0 deficit in NBA playoff history. The Boston Celtics may be forgiven for looking ahead to the NBA finals next week after coming from a huge deficit - up to 18 points at a stage - to win Game 3 with an amazing 13–2 run in clutch time.

Basketball: NBA Playoffs, Eastern Conference Final Game 4

Where to Watch: ESPN

Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

Date: 28.05.2024. 03:30

The Indiana Pacers pushed the Celtics to the limit and only lost to an impressive last-minute run from Boston. Playing without All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard filled the vacuum with a career-high 32 points and 9 assists, while T.J. McConnell contributed 23 points and 9 rebounds. Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner added 22 points each in a massive team effort that saw the Pacers lead most of the game. However, an inability to close out the lead and some defensive lapses in the final minutes ultimately proved costly. Despite giving up the lead in the dying seconds, the Pacers had an opportunity to force overtime, but a three-point attempt by Aaron Nesmith hit the rim as the buzzer went off. Losing their invincibility at home and likely to be without Haliburton for Game 4, the Indiana Pacers are huge underdogs to extend the series.

I didn't feel too well. I guess I just figured if I got a good day's rest or tried to sleep through it, that would help me. It's Game Three in the Eastern Conference finals, so I wasn't going to miss this game.

Jrue Holiday

The Boston Celtics didn't get the memo that the Pacers were invincible at home and instead pulled off a stunning comeback victory in Game 3, ending an 11-game home winning streak with a 114-111 victory. Trailing by as many as 18 points in the third quarter and lacking penetration in the paint, the Celtics turned it around in the clutch. Jrue Holiday, cleared just 45 minutes before the game due to a fever, converted a three-point play with 38.9 seconds on the clock to give Boston their first lead since the second quarter. He finished the comeback by draining two free throws in the last seconds to break the Pacers' hearts. The cast wasn't on holiday either as Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with a triple-double of 36 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, Jaylen Brown hit 24 points, and Al Horford chipped in 7 three-pointers. Though the Celtics were far from convincing, with a 3-0 lead, they can end the series early on Monday.

The Indiana Pacers are 3.35 underdogs on Betway, with the Boston Celtics 2.31 on the spread (-10.5). 1XBET lists Pacers to win both halves at 3.24 and W1/W2 at 6 odds. Jaylen Brown is 1.86 to score over 25.5 on Bet365, while Paschal Siakam is 1.90 to point over 23.5. Read more.