The Celtics aim to go up 3-0 within the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday against the Pacers, who might be without their best player because the series moves to Indiana.
Tyrese Haliburton’s status is up within the air after aggravating his left hamstring — an injury that caused him to miss 10 games in January.
Most sportsbooks list the Celtics as seven-point favorites and have set the Over/Under at 222.5 total points.
Celtics vs. Pacers Game 3 prediction
It’s tempting to lean toward Boston covering with Haliburton questionable to play, but Indiana has been so good at Gainbridge Fieldhouse within the playoffs that it’s difficult to expect a snug Boston win.
The Pacers are undefeated at home this postseason, winning 4 of six games by double figures.
That’s why the full may be a greater play in Game 3. Each games on this series have hit the Over and Boston has scored at the very least 126 points in each matchup.
Haliburton or not, the Celtics should have the ability to light up the scoreboard again.
It’s notable that within the 10 games Haliburton missed in January, the Pacers still averaged greater than 118 ppg.
Indiana should have the ability to maintain up offensively even when Haliburton doesn’t play.
Betting on the NBA?
Pascal Siakam (26 ppg) has been great on this series, and a number of other members of the Pacers’ supporting forged are able to double-digit scoring.
These were the 2 highest-scoring teams throughout the regular season and proceed to be within the playoffs. Expect each offenses to play well on Saturday in Indianapolis.
The play: Celtics-Pacers Over 222.5 (-110, BetMGM)
