Indiana Pacers (47-35) vs. Boston Celtics (64-18)
On Tuesday night at TD Garden in Indiana, Indiana Pacers are set to face off with Boston Celtics in an Eastern Conference Finals showdown that could prove decisive in terms of wins or losses for each side. While Boston boasts a dominant 64-18 record against 47-35 Pacers record, fans hoping to place bets may want to check odds and insights available best online casino platforms before placing bets at 8 PM ET (May 21, 2024) ET live broadcast of ESPN/ESPN2. The match promises high stakes action with high stakes action being covered live by ESPN/ESPN2.
Indiana Pacers have displayed impressive offensive firepower throughout these playoffs, averaging 112.9 points per game on 49.4% shooting from the field while shooting 37.1% from three. Pascal Siakam’s stellar three-point shooting has been crucial, while Indiana’s strength also lies in their rebounding with 41.6 boards per game and disciplined play limiting only 10 turnovers each game; their free-throw percentage may pose potential vulnerabilities during close game situations however at 73% they could prove vulnerable.
The Celtics have not lagged behind, posting 108.1 points per game at nearly identical field goal percentage (48%). Their slight edge over the Pacers could come from three-point shooting; at 37.7% it has proven slightly stronger thanks to key contributions by Jayson Tatum. Boston excels in rebounding (44.9 per game average and maintains higher free throw accuracy (79.6%). Together, this combination of effective scoring and solid defensive rebounding has proven crucial to their success.
Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics Game Info
| When: | Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | TD Garden |
| TV: | ESPN/ESPN2 |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Pascal Siakam (PF) vs. Jayson Tatum (SF)
Pascal Siakam‘s role as power forward has been indispensable to the Pacers as they advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Averaging 21.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game on average, Siakam plays both offense and defense for Indiana while creating mismatches against slower defenders by switching both inside and out on defense – yet his turnover rate (0.8 per game) and tendencies toward accruing fouls (3 per game) could impede him during crucial game moments.
Jayson Tatum has been an essential piece in the Celtics’ success this season, scoring 24.3 points per game while posting incredible rebounding skills (particularly defensive rebounding, with 9.8 defensive rebounds per game ). Tatum’s influence goes beyond scoring alone: 5.8 assists per game demonstrate his playmaking capabilities while his defensive prowess (1 steal and 0.8 blocks per game) makes him an effective two-way threat; though managing both scoring points while helping teammates may present unique challenges when confronted by high energy opponents like Siakam.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: Celtics -450, Total Odds: 221.5
Betting odds favor the Celtics with moneyline odds set at -450 and 9.5 point spread; over/under set at 221.5; high scoring affair expected. Bettors should carefully weigh these odds; though recent form has shown Pacers capable of upstaging stronger teams.
Indiana Pacers Betting Trends
The Pacers come into this series undefeated in their last five games, showing strong form heading into this matchup. Their road record against the spread stands at 22-19; moreover, totals have gone OVER in four of those five matches; bettors may find this trend worthwhile.
Boston Celtics Betting Trends
As with the Pacers, the Celtics have also posted impressive home records against the spread. Although their 19-19 mark on the road matches up closely against one another, totals going OVER in four of five recent home games indicates high scoring contests for both clubs.
Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics 5/21/24 Betting Picks
The Boston Celtics are clearly favorites, yet Indiana Pacers cannot be discounted as legitimate challengers to them in recent form. Though their spread seems large at first glance, Indiana’s ability to keep games close coupled with their effective offense makes them an excellent pick when looking at betting against spread.
While the Celtics should win, the Pacers could cover the 9.5 point spread, making them a strong pick in terms of covering this over/under trend. When making NBA East finals free picks, always factor current performance levels and team dynamics into account for more accurate outcomes.
