The Celtics aim to go up 3-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday against the Pacers, who could be without their best player as the series moves to Indiana.
Tyrese Haliburton’s status is up in 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 in the playoffs that it’s difficult to expect a comfortable Boston win.
The Pacers are undefeated at home this postseason, winning four of six games by double figures.
That’s why the total might be a better play in Game 3. Both games in this series have hit the Over and Boston has scored at least 126 points in each matchup.
Haliburton or not, the Celtics should be able to light up the scoreboard again.
It’s notable that in the 10 games Haliburton missed in January, the Pacers still averaged more than 118 ppg.
Indiana should be able to keep up offensively even if Haliburton doesn’t play.
Betting on the NBA?
Pascal Siakam (26 ppg) has been great in this series, and several members of the Pacers’ supporting cast are capable of double-digit scoring.
These were the two highest-scoring teams during the regular season and continue to be in the playoffs. Expect both offenses to play well on Saturday in Indianapolis.
The play: Celtics-Pacers Over 222.5 (-110, BetMGM)
