Indiana Pacers vs Boston Celtics Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 27/05/2024, 00:53  by Kennedy Kechula in NBA Predictions

The Boston Celtics will be away to the Indiana Pacers looking to wrap up their Eastern Conference finals playoff matchup in four games. They lead the series 3-0 and won game three in Indiana 114-111. The Indiana Pacers are seeking to keep their season alive and need to win here to avoid elimination. Game three was the first time in these playoffs that they had lost at home. Rick Carlisle’s men had won 11 straight matches at home before game three. The Pacers led for much of the game in game three and even assumed an 18-point lead, the biggest of the game. Indiana were once again let down by their turnovers and also missed Tyrese Haliburton. The guard missed the game with a hamstring problem and is a doubt for game four. Long-term absentee Bennedict Mathurin is still not available for selection. The Pacers, who defeated the Celtics twice at home in the regular season, are averaging 114.6 points in the playoffs.

The Celtics are one win away from advancing to the NBA finals for the second time in three years. They have been the best team in the NBA this year and are favourites to win it all. Joe Mazzulla’s men have lost just twice in these playoffs and are currently on a six-match winning run. Considering they are yet to lose on the road in the postseason, chances of them concluding this series here are high. Boston had three players score at least 23 points as they rallied to secure the win in game three. Jason Tatum led the way with 36 points, his second game in this series with as many points. The Celtics, who have been without centre Kristaps Porzingis for the last nine games, are averaging 111.8 points in the playoffs. Porzingis has been sidelined with a soleus problem and is out for game four as well. Backup centre Luke Kornet was also unavailable in game three due to a wrist issue and is questionable for game four as is Jrue Holiday.