Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the NBA match.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics had 6 days to take some rest after the conference semi-finals. Such pauses during the play-off are not a good thing. The Pacers had a good chance in the first game. However, the Celtics managed to win. Jason Tatum was the main star with 36 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Holiday (28-7-8) and Brown (26-7-5) were good too. White and Horford scored 15 points each. Which means that 5 players scored 15/over 15 points each. It’s hard to play against such an offensive line. Obviously, the home team will play even better in the second game. The Pacers are likely to go back home, losing 0:2 in the series.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers had only 3 days to take some rest after the tough games against the Knicks. The Pacers were quite good in the first match, with Haliburton scoring 25 points, Siakam – 24, Turner – 23 (+10 rebounds). Other 4 players scored from 12 to 15 points. However, even such brilliant attacking game never let them win. Perhaps, it was the maximum of what the Pacers can. It’s going to be harder from now on.
Boston Celtics – Indiana Pacers prediction
The first game was exciting, with Boston Celtics winning in overtime (133:128), although the home side was losing -5 for a couple of minutes before the end of regulation.
Boston is kind of about to lose the second home game. At least it was like this in the series with the Heat and the Cavaliers. But it’s so hard to believe in the Pacers as they jumped over their heads. In the first game, still losing, though. The Celtics are supposed to win the second game more confidently.
