Game 3 Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers Prediction, Odds, Player Props & Injury Report

May 23, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) dribbles the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) in the first half during game two of the eastern conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY SportsGame 3 of Celtics vs Pacers goes Saturday night in IndianapolisThe Pacers are 7-point underdogs facing a potential 3-0 series deficitRead below for Celtics vs Pacers Game 3 prediction, odds and player prop picks

The Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers are preparing for a crucial Game 3 showdown in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday, May 25, 2024. The action tips off at 8:30 PM EST at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with ABC providing national coverage.

Boston enters as 7-point road favorites, and the over/under is set at 222.5 points. NBA player props favor Jaylen Brown to come back to earth after his 40-point showing, while Pacers’ star Tyrese Haliburton is listed as questionable on the injury report.

Here is our Game 3 Celtics vs Pacers prediction, along with odds and player props to bet.

Celtics vs Pacers Prediction

The Celtics have been absolutely dominant in the first two games of this series. They survived a late deficit to steal Game 1 in overtime and then cruised to a 16-point win in Game 2. Jaylen Brown has been on fire, putting up 33 points per game over the first two contests, including a 40-burger in Game 2.

Despite their perfect 6-0 home record this postseason, the Pacers have their work cut out for them, especially with star point guard Tyrese Haliburton listed as questionable due to a hamstring issue. Haliburton is the engine that makes this Pacers offense go, and if he can’t suit up, it would be a huge blow to Indy’s chances.

time to defend our house 👊 pic.twitter.com/gLISl2ghPe

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 25, 2024

The Celtics have been road warriors throughout the playoffs, going a perfect 4-0 in Miami and Cleveland while holding opponents under 100 points in all but one game. Even if Haliburton plays, he likely won’t be at 100%, which could spell trouble against a locked-in Boston defense.

However, we can’t ignore the Pacers’ home-court advantage, which has been a major factor in their playoff success. They’ve won 11 straight games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse dating back to the regular season, including all six home playoff games.

The electric atmosphere should give the Pacers a boost, even if Haliburton is limited or can’t go. While the Celtics are the more talented team, the Pacers have proven they can compete at a high level in front of their home fans. Expect a hard-fought battle with the Pacers rallying behind their home crowd to keep things close and cover the 7-point spread.

BOS-IND Game 3 Pick:

Pacers +7 (-110)

Celtics vs Pacers Odds

Team	Spread	Moneyline	Total
BOS Celtics	-7 (-110)	-270	Over 222.5 (-112)
IND Pacers	+7 (-110)	+220	Under 222.5 (-108)

The Celtics are favored by 7 points in this matchup, with the moneyline set at -270 for Boston and +220 for Indiana. So, a $270 bet on the Celtics would net you a $100 profit if they win, while a $100 bet on the Pacers would yield a sweet $220 profit if they pull off the upset.

Based on these odds, the implied probability suggests that the Celtics have a 73.5% chance of winning the game, while the Pacers have a 30.9% chance. The Celtics’ status as favorites is largely due to their dominant performances in the first two games of the series and their impressive road record throughout the playoffs.

Gamedayyyyyy 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/tXDkAn2X8X

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 25, 2024

The Pacers, despite being the underdog, have been strong at home during the postseason, going 6-0 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This NBA team trend could influence bettors to consider taking the Pacers to cover the spread, even if they don’t win outright.

The over/under for total points scored in the game is set at 222.5. This means that bettors can wager on whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under this number. With the Celtics’ high-powered offense and the Pacers’ strong home-court advantage, the over could be an attractive option for bettors.

However, if Haliburton is out or limited, the under might become more appealing. The Pacers’ offensive output could certainly suffer without their star point guard.

FANATICS SPORTSBOOKOfferT&CsGet a $200 Bet Match For 5 Straight Days from Fanatics!

Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ, CO, KY, MD, OH, MI, TN, VA, WV); 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA); 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN); (800) 327-5050 or mdgamblinghelp.org (MD); 1800gambler.net (WV)Available in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MI, NC, NJ, TN, VA, WV. 1 sign up offer per user. Must opt in daily & place $5+ qualifying wager for Bonus Bet match (up to $100) each day for 10 straight days. Must place initial wager within 5 days of account opening. Terms apply.LOCK IN PROMOSIGNUP PROMOGET A $200BET MATCH

FOR 5 STRAIGHT DAYS!

SIGN UP NOW

Odds as of May. 25. 2024. Check out the top NBA betting apps for the Eastern Conference Final. 

BOS-IND Player Props

In the NBA player props market, Jayson Tatum has the highest point total at 29.5 and the largest rebound projection at 10.5. Tyrese Haliburton is currently off the board due to uncertainty around his injury status (more on that below).

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Three-Pointers Made
Aaron Nesmith	11.5 (Ov -118 | Un -102)	4.5 (Ov -108 | Un -112)	OFF	1.5 (Ov -115 | Un -105)
Al Horford	10.5 (Ov +114 | Un -135)	7.5 (Ov +100 | Un -120)	2.5 (Ov +145 | Un -175)	1.5 (Ov -135 | Un +114)
Andrew Nembhard	12.5 (Ov -118 | Un -102)	3.5 (Ov +140 | Un -166)	5.5 (Ov +114 | Un -135)	1.5 (Ov +124 | Un -148)
Derrick White	15.5 (Ov -112 | Un -108)	4.5 (Ov -105 | Un -115)	5.5 (Ov +130 | Un -155)	2.5 (Ov -142 | Un +120)
Jaylen Brown	26.5 (Ov -108 | Un -112)	7.5 (Ov +114 | Un -135)	2.5 (Ov -142 | Un +120)	1.5 (Ov -148 | Un +124)
Jayson Tatum	29.5 (Ov -115 | Un -105)	10.5 (Ov +110 | Un -130)	5.5 (Ov -118 | Un -102)	2.5 (Ov -118 | Un -102)
Jrue Holiday	14.5 (Ov -105 | Un -115)	5.5 (Ov -130 | Un +110)	5.5 (Ov -118 | Un -102)	2.5 (Ov +145 | Un -175)
Myles Turner	15.5 (Ov -125 | Un +105)	6.5 (Ov -135 | Un +114)	OFF	1.5 (Ov -130 | Un +110)
Obi Toppin	9.5 (Ov -115 | Un -105)	3.5 (Ov -155 | Un +130)	OFF	0.5 (Ov -205 | Un +170)
Pascal Siakam	22.5 (Ov -112 | Un -108)	7.5 (Ov -142 | Un +120)	3.5 (Ov -142 | Un +120)	0.5 (Ov -166 | Un +140)
Payton Pritchard	7.5 (Ov -118 | Un -102)	2.5 (Ov -118 | Un -102)	2.5 (Ov +136 | Un -162)	1.5 (Ov +120 | Un -142)
Sam Hauser	OFF	2.5 (Ov +124 | Un -148)	OFF	1.5 (Ov +136 | Un -162)
T.J. McConnell	11.5 (Ov -102 | Un -118)	2.5 (Ov -155 | Un +130)	5.5 (Ov -110 | Un -110)	0.5 (Ov +180 | Un -218)

Odds as of May. 25 at DraftKings Sportsbook.

If Haliburton is out or limited, keep an eye on Andrew Nembhard to step up for Indiana. The rookie guard is averaging 13.1 points this postseason, and his projected points total of 12.5 looks very attainable, especially if he slides into the starting lineup. Hammer the over on Nembhard’s points prop.

For Boston, it’s hard not to love Jaylen Brown to keep cooking. He’s averaging 33 points through the first two games and just dropped 40 on the Pacers in Game 2. His points prop of 26.5 is juicy considering his elite play and favorable matchup if Haliburton is out. Back Brown to clear 30 points again in Game 3.

Prop Bets:

Andrew Nembhard Over 12.5 Points (-118)Jaylen Brown Over 26.5 Points (-108)

Celtics vs Pacers Injury Report

The biggest storyline heading into Game 3 is the status of Tyrese Haliburton. The Pacers’ All-Star point guard is questionable with a hamstring injury that forced him to exit early in Game 2. If Haliburton can’t go or is limited, it would be a massive loss for an Indiana offense that relies heavily on his playmaking and shot creation.

Tyrese Haliburton is questionable today.

Jayson Tatum said the Celtics are prepared either way:

“We went over the plan for both scenarios, if he is going to play and if he’s not… we got some things we worked on today, and just ready for either scenario.” pic.twitter.com/NDTY9HMqdC

— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzellNBA) May 25, 2024

For Boston, Kristaps Porzingis remains out with a calf injury. However, the Celtics haven’t missed a beat without him, as evidenced by their 2-0 series lead. Porzingis’ absence hurts their frontcourt depth, but it hasn’t slowed down their offensive onslaught thus far.

The injury report will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of Game 3, with Haliburton’s status being the most critical factor. If he is unable to play or is limited, the Celtics will have a significant advantage, making it more challenging for the Pacers to keep the game close and cover the spread, even with their strong home-court advantage.

 

DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK

BET $5 & GET $150 INSTANTLY!

CLAIM OFFER

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK

BET $5 & GET $200 IF YOUR BET WINS!

CLAIM OFFER

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK

GET UP TO $1,500 BACK IN BONUS BETS!

CLAIM OFFER

CAESARS SPORTSBOOK

GET UP TO $1,000 BACK – ON CAESARS!

CLAIM OFFER

BET365 SPORTSBOOK

BET $5 & GET $150 IN BONUS BETS!

CLAIM OFFER

More:  Red Sox Part Ways with Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom Amidst Playoff Drought