The Boston Celtics are in rhythm to bully the underdog and likely demoralized Indiana Pacers, who choked Game 1 away

Catch the game this Friday, May 23rd, at 8:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Indiana Pacers (0-1)

Projected starting five:

  • Tyrese Haliburton
  • Andrew Nembhard
  • Aaron Nesmith
  • Pascal Siakam
  • Myles Turner

The Pacers showed a ton of fight in the series opener, so much so that they were up three, 117-114, with only 8.5 seconds remaining. They just couldn’t take care of the ball, and eventually lost in overtime, 133-128. 

All of the team’s top guys–Tyrese Haliburton (25 pts, 10 ast), Pascal Siakam (24 pts, 12 rebs, 7 ast), and Myles Turner (23 pts, 10 rebs, 4 asst, 2 blks )–all came in with great energy as each produced a double-double. However, their All-Star point guard Haliburton, had costly decision-making in the crucial parts of the fourth quarter, which includes turning the ball over by himself and pulling up for a three on a fastbreak, albeit converting via free throws. Head coach Rick Carlisle not calling a timeout prior to the Siakam turnover that led to the game-tying three was huge as well.

This Indy team is capable as the scheme and weapons are there to go mano y mano against any other offense in the league, but all things considered, Game 1 might be their best chance to alter the vibe of this David vs. Goliath matchup, and they fumbled it up. Tomorrow’s another day, though, and we’re about to see much ‘dog’ they have inside them.

HOME: Boston Celtics (1-0)

Projected starting five:

  • Jrue Holiday 
  • Derrick White
  • Jaylen Brown
  • Jayson Tatum
  • Kristaps Porzingis (out) / Al Horford

With everyone expecting a routine Game 1 blowout win by the Celtics, their underwhelming selves showed up again. They were fortunate the Pacers got too giddy for a series-opening upset and forgot to execute. To be fair, though, once given an opportunity to come back, they seized it well and didn’t look back.

Also, everyone in the main core made his mark. All-Star and leading scorer Jayson Tatum shot 2-of-7 in the fourth quarter, but redeemed himself by unloading 10 points in overtime. He finished with 36 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. Other All-Star Jaylen Brown had 26/7/5 and hit that big three to knot it at 117 with only 5.7 ticks left. Jrue Holiday, meanwhile, dropped a season-high 26 points, while his backcourt mate Derrick white chipped in his 15 points with a team-high nine assists. To top it all off, the four guys combined for 11 steals.

Now that they shook off a good shot by the Pacers, we should see a more in-rhythm Celtics team that’s ready to pounce like the heavy underdogs they are – although yes, never rule out a sudden lackadaisical effort from this group.

PICKS:

Spread: Celtics (-9)

Over/Under: Over (224.5)