Update: Haliburton has been ruled out for Saturday’s game, but the line earlier in the day factored in his absence. The Celtics are 7.5-point favorites while the total is 222. I still like Indiana at +7.5 as the ATS pick and the over on the total.
The Boston Celtics avoided a letdown at home in the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals and will now look to take a commanding 3-0 series lead when they visit the Indiana Pacers Saturday evening. The Celtics slipped up in each of the first two rounds of the playoffs at home but could now set the stage for a sweep. The Pacers will look to channel some of their home magic, as they have not lost at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in this postseason.
Tyrese Haliburton left Game 2 with hamstring soreness and did not return. He’s dealt with back spasms and ankle problems as well in these playoffs, but this is by far the most concerning injury since he had the same problem in the regular season. Kristaps Porzingis is out for Boston and Luke Kornet is doubtful.
The Celtics are 7-point favorites according to DraftKings Sportsbook with the total coming in at 222.5. Boston is -270 on the moneyline while Indiana is +220.
Celtics vs. Pacers, 8:30 p.m. ET
Pick ATS: Pacers +7
Boston is 57-16 straight up this season after a win with a 36-33-4 ATS mark in the same category. Indiana is 28-14 straight up after a loss and 26-14-2 ATS in the same category. The change in venue helps the Pacers, although an injury to their star point guard has come at the wrong time. I do think Haliburton will be limited if he does give it a go, to the point where him playing might be detrimental to Indiana’s chances of getting a win.
All of Indiana’s role players have been excellent at home. The Pacers will continue to run a deeper rotation than Boston, and that’s going to be a factor in this game as well. The Celtics had a hiccup in Game 1 and managed to survive but I think they’ll struggle at the start of this contest. The Pacers probably fall short but they should at least cover as underdogs.
Over/Under: Over 222.5
The first two games of this series went over this line. Indiana’s offense has been more consistent since middle of the second round against the Knicks, while Boston has played better on the road over the last few postseasons. I think the offenses keep this scoring going in Game 3 Saturday and push this game over the total.