Boston Celtics - Indiana Pacers predictions and free betting tips [24/05/2024]

Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers will face each other tomorrow morning, 24 May, in the second match of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Let's try to provide a prediction for the Boston vs Indiana matchup, considering the current state of the teams.

Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics confirmed their status as favourites by winning the first game of the series in overtime, despite the challenging course of the match. The team showcased incredible fighting spirit, as Jayson Tatum's three-pointer with 5 seconds left pushed the game into overtime, where the Celtics outperformed the less experienced opponent. Jayson Tatum led the team with 36 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists. Jaylen Brown contributed 26 points and 7 rebounds, while Jrue Holiday had 28 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds, marking his best performance of the season. Overall, the Celtics shot 47% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc, enabling them to maintain their home-court advantage and win the game in overtime, 133:128. The Celtics demonstrated their strength on their home court despite early match difficulties. The team also showed solid defensive results, forcing the Pacers into several turnovers, particularly in overtime. Coach Joe Mazzulla expressed confidence in the imminent return of Latvian centre Kristaps Porziņģis, which should bolster the team in forthcoming series games.

Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers encountered significant issues at the beginning of the Eastern Conference Finals, especially regarding ball control, which impacted the result. In the first game against the Boston Celtics, the team committed 22 turnovers that led to 32 points for the opponent. Despite Tyrese Haliburton's effectiveness in attack, he made several critical mistakes in the closing moments of the game, costing the team the victory. Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam were pivotal in the offence, scoring 25 and 24 points respectively, with Siakam adding 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Myles Turner also made a substantial contribution with 23 points and 10 rebounds. The team showcased a high shooting percentage—53% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc. Despite their potential and solid offensive play, the Pacers must reduce the number of turnovers to increase their chances of success in the upcoming series games. The Pacers also demonstrate a high shooting percentage, which gives them a fighting chance for the NBA Finals. Coach Rick Carlisle emphasises the need to reduce turnovers and play more carefully in the next series meetings.

Prediction for Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers

Brown's clutch three-pointer allowed Boston to avoid a collapse. I believe that in the second game of the series at home, the Celtics will play more reliably and not allow the Pacers' offence to run wild. My prediction for tomorrow's Boston vs Indiana match is a Boston win with a handicap of -7.5.