By The Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers engaged in a nail-biting Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 that stretched into overtime, setting the stage for a highly anticipated Game 2 at TD Garden on Thursday.
The top-seeded Celtics faced a formidable challenge from the underdog Pacers but managed to secure a 133-128 victory in overtime, taking the 1-0 lead in the series. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 36 points and 12 rebounds. Jrue Holiday contributed 28 points, seven rebounds and eight assists while Jaylen Brown recorded 26 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
On the other hand, the Pacers showed why they are in the conference finals as they battled it out with the Celtics. Tyrese Haliburton led Indiana in scoring with 25 points and 10 assists, while Pascal Siakam put on an excellent performance with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists.
NBA Playoffs: Pacers coach Rick Carlisle takes blame for Game 1 loss: ‘This loss is totally on me’
Eastern Conference Finals: Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics Game 2 predictions
Fox Sports: Celtics 123 – Pacers 112
Staff writes: “Boston has been the favorite in 78 games this season and has come away with the win 62 times (79.5%) in those contests. Boston has won four of its last six head-to-head meetings with Indiana.”
Clutch Points: Celtics win
Cameron Zunkel writes: “I do think the Celtics win this game. However, I think nine points is too large of a spread. I am going to take the Pacers to keep this game within single digits.”
ESPN: Celtics have 67% chance to win
According to ESPN’s Matchup Predictor, the Boston Celtics have a 67.6% chance to beat the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Eastern Conference Finals: Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics Game 2 odds, betting line
The Boston Celtics are favored to defeat the Indiana Pacers in Game 2, according to the BetMGM odds.
- Spread: Boston (-10.5)
- Moneyline: Boston (-470); Indiana (+360)
- Total Over/Under: 221.5
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Eastern Conference Finals: Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics schedule
| Games | Location | Date/Time/Results | TV/Streaming |
| Game 1 | TD Garden, Boston, MA | Celtics 133, Pacers 128 | ESPN, ESPN+ |
| Game 2 | TD Garden, Boston, MA | Thursday, May 23 at 8 p.m. ET | ESPN, ESPN+ |
| Game 3 | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN | Saturday, May 25 at 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC, ESPN+ |
| Game 4 | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN | Monday, May 27 at 8 p.m. ET | ESPN, ESPN+ |
| Game 5 | TD Garden, Boston, MA | Wednesday, May 29 at 8 p.m. ET | ESPN, ESPN+ |
| Game 6(If necessary) | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN | Friday, May 31 at 8 p.m. ET | ESPN, ESPN+ |
| Game 7(If necessary) | TD Garden, Boston, MA | Sunday, June 2 at 8 p.m. ET | ESPN, ESPN+ |
How to watch: Catch select NBA Playoff games on ESPN+
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