Boston Celtics (64-18) vs. Indiana Pacers (47-35)
Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers Game 3 5/25/24 – As the NBA Eastern Finals progress, the Boston Celtics, boasting a stellar 64-18 record, face off against the Indiana Pacers, who come in with a respectable 47-35 standing. This Game 3 clash is pivotal, with the Celtics leading the series 1-0. The stakes couldn’t be higher as both teams battle it out on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 8:30 PM ET in the electrifying atmosphere of Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Broadcast live on ABC, this matchup is one to watch, featuring top-tier basketball action, and for those looking for NBA Eastern Finals no-cost picks, this game offers intriguing possibilities.
Celtics to the journey to the Eastern Finals with the backdrop of the better season performance. Spreading that around they currently average 120.6 points per game, further buoyed by a field goal percentage of 48.7%. Their efficiency however is not confined to the normal field goals as the team is also converting an average of 16.5 three pointers for an efficiency of 38.8%. Offensively, defensive, and rebounding performances are not left behind through an average of 46.3 rebounds per tilt.
The Pacers have a decent record as compared to Celtics, however, they are not so great on the defensive side, but their offense is hot, scoring on average 123.3 points per game, which is better than Celtics. Their free throw shooting is average but they are good from the 3-point line conversion at a rate of 50.7%, they shoot fewer 3-pointers than the Celtics but their shooting is efficient. They also dominate in the playmaking aspect of the game averaging in 30.8 assists per game as compared to the Pacers.
Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers Game 3 5/25/24 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 8:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Gainbridge Fieldhouse |
| TV: | ABC |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Jayson Tatum (SF) vs. Pascal Siakam (PF)
Jayson Tatum has been an asset to the Celtics team this season; he has played every game this season, and he averages 26.9 points together with 8.1 rebounds per game. This man’s reliability and capacity to produce consistently good performances is Boston’s strength. The following analysis will show how Tatum is a two-way player at this stage of the game; Tatum plays defense, which is evident by his average steals per game of 1 and average blocks per game of 0.6.
Pascal Siakam on the other hand; he has been able to withstand all odds and skill through the 41 games this season of the Pacers where he has been averaging 21.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. This may indeed be due to injury prone nature which has limited his game appearances; but whenever he has been on the floor, he has been this productive, 2.6 assist-to-turnover ratio which depicts his effectiveness and the ability to make correct decisions.
Everytime Tatum and Siakam face each other the fans are treated to a performance of two all round forwards at their best. Tatum lacks scoring efficiency and staffing power to match Siakam who is efficient on offense and a force on the boards meaning their duel could be determining of the match up since the winner will be in the pole position.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
Currently, the betting odds for this game are yet to be finalized, but given the Celtics’ lead in the series and their solid season record, they are likely to enter as favorites. However, the Pacers’ recent form and their offensive potency make this matchup less predictable and potentially more rewarding for bettors looking for value.
Boston Celtics Betting Trends
Boston has not been impressive as far as the spread is concerned. They are 2-2 in the last five games and hold the split record of 19-19 in the games played on road this season. Data on betting trends shows that the tendency of scoring more goals in recent matches is seen by the total going OVER in the recent games including 4 out of the 5 latest matches.
Indiana Pacers Betting Trends
The Indiana Pacers have been great in the latest games, they have won 4 out of 5 last games and also won 3 out of 5 confronting the spread line. They have done particularly well in over games, with the total going OVER in all their last five games.
Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers 5/25/24 Betting Picks
Given the statistical strengths and recent performances of both teams, this game promises to be closely contested. The Celtics’ defensive edge might be the deciding factor in a high-pressure playoff environment. However, the Pacers’ offensive firepower cannot be underestimated, especially with their tendency to push the total OVER.
In conclusion, while the Celtics might be the safer pick due to their all-around solidity and leadership in the series, the Pacers offer an intriguing upset potential. For bettors, considering a play on the total points might be prudent, given both teams’ recent trends towards high-scoring games. This matchup is also ripe for multi-expert top picks, with the potential for varied opinions on the outcome making the betting landscape particularly vibrant.
Free Pick and Prediction: Boston Celtics 112, Indiana Pacers 108