The Boston Celtics are up 2-0 over the Indiana Pacers, and after a competitive Game 1, it’s looking like this series could end sooner rather than later. Both sides have some injuries to note, as Tyrese Haliburton (questionable) and Jrue Holiday (questionable) could miss this one. Let’s dive into our NBA expert picks and predictions for today’s Eastern Conference Finals Pacers-Celtics Game 3. Check out our expert picks page for more bets — or use our NBA +EV betting guide to find sharp plays on your own!
NBA Pacers-Celtics Expert Picks & Predictions for ECF Game 3
NBA Celtics-Pacers Expert Picks & Predictions for ECF Game 3
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Celtics-Pacers Odds
Odds via DraftKings
IND ML: +220 | BOS ML: -270
IND +7: -110 | BOS -7: -110
Over 222.5: -112 | Under 222.5: -108
Celtics-Pacers Picks & Predictions
@jazzrazdfs – Total – O/U 222.5: Game 3 is here, and we shift to Indiana with the Pacers trying to make this a competitive series. Step 1 for them is making sure Tyrese Haliburton is on the floor as he tweaked a hamstring in Game 2. Certainly, his availability impacts the Pacers, but for me the total in the game is still interesting.
Right now, looking at OddsShopper’s tools, we see mostly 223’s out there, but there are a few 222.5’s available, and that’s the line I want to attack. Both these teams are more than willing and able to put up a ton of points tonight, and despite some adjustments, I think we see that once again
Game 1 went to overtime, but we saw 80 3-point attempts, with another 66 between these teams in Game 2. More importantly than just the volume is the fact these are top-end scoring offenses who were first and second in effective field goal percentage in the entire league this season.
Add in that the Pacers seemingly only have one speed and gameplan, which is to push the tempo, and once again I think points are scored in bunches. Game 2 saw both teams eclipse 50% from the field, and if those efficiency numbers remain the same, this is heading for another over. I’ll call for that exact scenario here in Game 3 and am going to take a position on the over 222.5 while we still have it available
Eastern Conference Finals Game 3 Expert Pick & Prediction: Over 222.5 -112 at DraftKings
@is_sirois – Player Prop – Jayson Tatum O/U 29.5 PTS: In regulation of Game 1, Jayson Tatum scored 26 points. He scored 23 in Game 2. But because of overtime, he finished Game 1 with 36 points after going absolutely ballistic in the clutch. While his Game 2 showing wasn’t great, the Celtics didn’t really need him to show out. They might need him to on the road tonight.
Tatum is averaging a dismal 25.2 points per game in the postseason, but remember, his first two series came against defensively efficient and slow-paced teams in the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pacers are neither of those things; in fact, they’re the opposite.
Tatum averaged 26.9 points per game in the regular season on shooting splits of 47/38/83; in the postseason, he is averaging 25.2 on 44/27/87. However, in regular-season games against the Pacers, he averaged 32.5 points per game on 58/49/71. I expect him to figure things out this series — we should be seeing more of the Tatum we saw in overtime of Game 1.
A few other factors could help Tatum tonight. For one, the Pacers have given up 26 and 40 to Jaylen Brown, and any adjustments to limit him could help free up Tatum. For another, the Celtics are listing Jrue Holiday (questionable) and Luke Kornet (doubtful) on the injury report, possibly requiring Tatum to log an extra minute or two.
Eastern Conference Finals Expert Pick & Prediction: Player Prop – Jayson Tatum Over 29.5 PTS -112 at DraftKings
