The Celtics look to go up 3-0 in Saturday’s Eastern Conference finals against the Pacers, who could be without their best player as the series moves to Indiana.
Tyrese Haliburton’s status is uncertain after aggravation of 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 pegged the Over/Under at 222.5 total points.
Celtics vs Pacers Game 3 Prediction
It’s tempting to look to Boston, while Haliburton is doubtful, but Indiana has been so good at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in the playoffs that it’s hard to expect a comfortable Boston victory.
The Pacers are undefeated at home in the playoffs, winning four of six games by double digits.
That’s why the total could be better in Game 3. Both games in this series reached the Over and Boston scored at least 126 points in each game.
Haliburton or not, the Celtics should be able to light up the scoreboard again.
It should be noted that in the 10 games Haliburton missed in January, the Pacers still averaged over 118 points per game.
Indiana should be able to keep pace offensively even if Haliburton doesn’t play.
Bet on the NBA?
Pascal Siakam (26 points per game) has been terrific in this series, and several members of the Pacers’ supporting cast are capable of scoring in double figures.
These are the two highest-scoring teams in the regular season and continue to make the playoffs. Expect both offenses to play well Saturday in Indianapolis.
The game: Celtics-Pacers Over 222.5 (-110, BetMGM)
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