Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics: Predictions and odds for Eastern Conference Finals Game 2

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 21: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts after making a basket during the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 21, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers engaged in a nail-biting Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 that stretched into overtime, setting the stage for a highly anticipated Game 2 at TD Garden on Thursday.

The top-seeded Celtics faced a formidable challenge from the underdog Pacers but managed to secure a 133-128 victory in overtime, taking the 1-0 lead in the series. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 36 points and 12 rebounds. Jrue Holiday contributed 28 points, seven rebounds and eight assists while Jaylen Brown recorded 26 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

On the other hand, the Pacers showed why they are in the conference finals as they battled it out with the Celtics. Tyrese Haliburton led Indiana in scoring with 25 points and 10 assists, while Pascal Siakam put on an excellent performance with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists.

NBA Playoffs: Pacers coach Rick Carlisle takes blame for Game 1 loss: 'This loss is totally on me'

Eastern Conference Finals: Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics Game 2 predictions

Fox Sports: Celtics 123 - Pacers 112

Staff writes: "Boston has been the favorite in 78 games this season and has come away with the win 62 times (79.5%) in those contests. Boston has won four of its last six head-to-head meetings with Indiana."

Clutch Points: Celtics win

Cameron Zunkel writes: "I do think the Celtics win this game. However, I think nine points is too large of a spread. I am going to take the Pacers to keep this game within single digits."

ESPN: Celtics have 67% chance to win

According to ESPN's Matchup Predictor, the Boston Celtics have a 67.6% chance to beat the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Eastern Conference Finals: Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics Game 2 odds, betting line

The Boston Celtics are favored to defeat the Indiana Pacers in Game 2, according to the BetMGM odds.

  • Spread: Boston (-10.5)

  • Moneyline: Boston (-470); Indiana (+360)

  • Total Over/Under: 221.5

Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering betting promos in 2024.

Eastern Conference Finals: Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics schedule

Games

Location

Date/Time/Results

TV/Streaming

Game 1

TD Garden, Boston, MA

Celtics 133, Pacers 128

ESPN, ESPN+

Game 2

TD Garden, Boston, MA

Thursday, May 23 at 8 p.m. ET

ESPN, ESPN+

Game 3

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

Saturday, May 25 at 8:30 p.m. ET

ABC, ESPN+

Game 4

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

Monday, May 27 at 8 p.m. ET

ESPN, ESPN+

Game 5

TD Garden, Boston, MA

Wednesday, May 29 at 8 p.m. ET

ESPN, ESPN+

Game 6(If necessary)

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

Friday, May 31 at 8 p.m. ET

ESPN, ESPN+

Game 7(If necessary)

TD Garden, Boston, MA

Sunday, June 2 at 8 p.m. ET

ESPN, ESPN+

How to watch: Catch select NBA Playoff games on ESPN+

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pacers vs. Celtics: Predictions and odds for Game 2

Advertisement