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Eric Moody, ESPN
The Indiana Pacers return home to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics, looking to protect their perfect 6-0 playoff home record. However, Indiana might have to do it without Tyrese Haliburton, who is listed as a game-time decision (hamstring). Expect the Pacers to give maximum effort Saturday night to avoid going down 0-3 in the series.
Let’s dive into some best bets for Game 3.
Best bet: Boston Celtics over 114.5 total points.
While Indiana struggled on defense during the regular season, they have improved a bit in the postseason. But they have faced a tough matchup against the Celtics’ offense in this series. Boston has surpassed 114.5 points in six of their past seven games against the Pacers, including the first two games of the Eastern Conference finals.
Best bet: Al Horford over 19.5 points, rebounds and assists.
The Pacers will be desperate for a win in Game 3 and Indiana can’t let Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown beat them, which should create more open looks for Horford. Plus, with Luke Kornet listed as doubtful for Game 3 (left wrist sprain), expect Horford to see more playing time on Saturday night.
Best bet: Pascal Siakam over 22.5 points.
With Haliburton hurt, the Pacers will likely rely heavily on Siakam as their top playmaker. He has scored 22 or more points in four of his past five games, averaging 18.2 field goal attempts in 34.8 minutes per game over that span.
Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers
East Finals – Game 3
8:30 p.m. Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Records (Against the Spread)
Celtics: 64-18 (43-35-4)
Pacers: 47-35 (44-36-2)
Line: Celtics (-7.5) Total: 222.5
Money Line: Celtics (-285), Pacers (+235)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 2.3, straight up 58%, 222.0 total points.
Injury Report:
Celtics: Luke Kornet, (GTD – Wrist); Kristaps Porzingis, (OUT – Calf)
Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton, (GTD – Hamstring); Bennedict Mathurin, (OUT – Shoulder)