The 2024 Eastern Conference Finals is set with the Boston Celtics taking on the Indiana Pacers with a trip to the NBA Finals on the line. The Celtics are back in the East finals for the third straight season and the fourth time in five seasons, while the Pacers are here for the first time since 2014. The Celtics won three of the five matchups between these teams during the regular season but the Pacers won the knockout game amongst the sides in the In-Season Tournament.
Here’s a look at some of the best series props for this matchup with odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Celtics vs. Pacers series props
Celtics -1.5 games series spread (-350)
Boston -2.5 games (-155) offers better odds but I don’t think Indiana’s home record in these playoffs is a fluke. There’s something about Gainbridge Fieldhouse which brings out the best in the Pacers, and Boston’s road record will be put to the test. I don’t see Indiana being able to take this to a seventh game and I think the Celtics will eventually win the series, so I like this line to account for Indiana potentially holding serve in both Games 3 and 4 at home.
Celtics to win Game 1/Celtics to win series (-320)
Because the Pacers went to Game 7, they’ll have just one day off before starting the conference finals. It’ll also be a road game for Indiana. After posting a historic shooting performance against the Knicks, I don’t see Indiana replicating that at TD Garden in Game 1. The Celtics are rested and should roll in the opener. I also have Boston eventually winning the series so I’ll add that as the series double prop.
Over 5.5 games in series (+145)
It’s easy to forget Boston’s struggles at home since they’ve been able to coast on the road. They’ve also been lucky with injuries to opponents, getting the Heat without Jimmy Butler and the Cavaliers without Donovan Mitchell for two games. The Pacers don’t have any injuries of that magnitude, and Boston is still without Kristaps Porzingis as of this moment. I think this series goes to at least six games, even though the oddsmakers see it playing out quicker.