Indiana Pacers (47-35) vs. Boston Celtics (64-18)
The Boston Celtics, boasting a dominant regular season record of 64-18, prepare to host the Indiana Pacers (47-35) in the Eastern Finals Game 2 on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the TD Garden. The Celtics, leveraging their home-court advantage, look to capitalize on their stellar performance. This high-stakes showdown promises to be a pivotal chapter in the 2024 playoffs, drawing considerable attention from those keen on the latest NBA Eastern Finals picks.
The Indiana Pacers have been a beast sight to watch offensively as they average 123.3 points per game. Statistics indicate that their field goal percentage is more than 50.7%, while their three’s range is at 37.4% for 13.2 three-points per game. The Pacers have an average of 41.5 total boards per game and rank high in steals per game 7.7 which could be lethal for the Celtics.
On the other hand the Boston Celtics are not very far off averaging 120.6 points a game with a field goal percentage of 48.7%. This is very effective shooting from the 3-point area of the floor: averaging 16.5 made at 38.8% in every game. The Celtics have a strong rebounding game (46.3 per game) and blocks (6.6 per game), while the latter speaks about the defensive side matching the offensive options of the team.
Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics Game Info
| When: | Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | TD Garden |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Pascal Siakam (PF) vs. Jayson Tatum (SF)
Pascal Siakam of the Pacers has had a great season- he is one of the leaders of the attack and is putting 21.3 points and 7.8 rebounds a game on average. His leadership skills and demonstrating his competitiveness in the pressure of playoffs will be crucial as he has to face the Celtics’ defense. Siakam’s efficiency in scoring and rebounding is very crucial but he has to be keen on his fouls and turnovers as this is a high paced game.
Jayson Tatum for the Celtics meanwhile has been a torrid offensive machine scoring 26.9 and pulling down 8.1 rebounds per game for his team. His outside shooting abilities as well as his ability to play the pick-and-roll will be an additional challenge for the Pacers. Tatum is the leader with many clutch shots helping the Celtics this season.
The battle between Siakam and Tatum will be a main storyline of the game. Each of the players has his/her strong sides, and their comparison may play an important role in this similarly matched contest.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game remain unspecified, but they will undoubtedly reflect the high stakes and competitive nature of this playoff series. Bettors should keep an eye on updates as the game approaches, considering the recent performance trends of both teams.
Indiana Pacers Betting Trends
The Pacers are in a roll at the moment with a 4-1 record in the last 5 games. They have hit double the number of points recorded for the game total in five straight outings and have a 22-19 record when playing as the road team against the spread meaning that they could upset the expectations against the Celtics.
Boston Celtics Betting Trends
Likewise, the Celtics have been playing consistently as they have a 3-2 record in their previous meetings and a solid track record of going over the spread. They play well at home and on the road equally; hence their slight advantage is having the home court in this crucial round.
Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics 5/23/24 Betting Picks
Considering the dynamics and recent form of both teams, this game is expected to be tightly contested with high offensive output. The Pacers’ aggressive scoring meets the Celtics’ strategic depth, making for an unpredictable outcome.
For those looking at betting angles, the total points going over seems a plausible pick, given both teams’ recent trends. While the Celtics may have the edge with home advantage and a slightly superior defensive record, the Pacers’ ability to keep games close and their high-scoring nature should not be underestimated. Ultimately, betting on a close game with potential edge to the Celtics might be prudent.
Top live betting website enthusiasts should watch for in-game shifts, particularly in the performance of key players like Siakam and Tatum.
