Pacers set to commence Eastern Conference Finals against Celtics in Boston

The Pacers' remarkable journey through the NBA playoffs persists at TD Garden.

By M Muzamil Shami

At this stage of the NBA Playoffs, snagging Game 1 on the away court presents a prime opportunity for an underdog team, especially when they're facing short recovery time while the opposition enjoys several days of rest.

It seems Vegas either disagrees, or if they do agree, the Pacers are even bigger underdogs than I anticipated.

The Celtics haven't hit the court since clinching their second-round series last Wednesday, yet they're entering Game 1 as 10-point favorites. The Pacers, fresh from a grueling seven-game battle against the Knicks, are in good form and must sustain the same level of grit and physicality they displayed against their previous opponents to gain an edge against the formidable Celtics.

The betting line makes a compelling case, especially given the Celtics' stacked roster boasting ample talent and length to challenge the Pacers. Pascal Siakam's arrival has somewhat mitigated this concern for Boston. However, even with Kristaps Porzingis sidelined for Game 1 and unlikely to feature in the initial two matchups in Boston, the challenge persists.

The Celtics are unfazed by the pace set by the Pacers, as both teams boast top offenses in the NBA and are eager to score points quickly. However, the Pacers aim to maintain a fast tempo to exploit any potential depth advantage against Boston.

I've tuned in to several Celtics-focused podcasts featuring insiders hashing out strategies for handling Porzingis. While the general sentiment appears unconcerned, a couple of these insiders, presumably well-informed, suggested integrating Oshae Brissett, a familiar face, into the rotation for certain small-ball lineups. Despite praise for the Celtics' depth, it's hard to see Brissett as a game-changer if he's the solution.

"Despite the circumstances, the Pacers are poised for another enlightening journey with potentially significant long-term consequences. Furthermore, they possess the chance to implement insights gained from their victories against Milwaukee and New York. In both series, Game 1 proved to be a daunting challenge for Tyrese Haliburton, marked by insufficient assertiveness and shot attempts, suggesting a struggle to adjust. Whether he can elevate his performance early in this series remains to be seen, as the Pacers cannot afford any missteps."

In Game 1, the team needs to put forth a relentless effort for the entire 48 minutes, leaving everything on the court. Additionally, they'll need to keep a close eye on the Celtics' three-point shooting, aiming to limit their success beyond the arc to avoid any potential barrage of 20 three-pointers.

ECF Game 1 Details

Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA

When: Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 8:00 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN

Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan

Odds: Pacers +10

Projected Starters

Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner

Celtics: Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford

Injuries

Pacers: Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder) - out

Knicks: Xavier Tillman (personal) - questionable, Kristaps Porzingis (calf strain) - out