Luka Doncic was absolutely spectacular in Game 2. Even though he didn’t score a fourth quarter point until he made the game winning three, he still finished with a thirty-one point triple double. In doing so the Mavericks won both road games and can close out the series at the American Airlines Center.

The Minnesota Timberwolves look absolutely fatigued, particularly Anthony Edwards. Edwards is in slow motion and hasn’t had a good game since game 5 of the Semifinals. Rudy Gobert is a liability versus the backcourt of the Mavericks, and Karl Anthony Towns can not find any rhythm. This series could be over before it starts, and if the Mavericks win Sunday it’s all but finished. 

 

 


 

NBA Picks & Predictions, 5/25: Celtics at Pacers Game 3

The Indiana Pacers find themselves in a similar situation as the Minnesota Timberwolves. They both played a physical and tough seven game series before the Conference Finals. They both had an opportunity to win game 1, but let it slip out their hands, and they both are down two games in a best of seven series. The one difference is Indiana is playing in front of their fans.

Gainbridge Fieldhouse will be a loud and intimidating place for the visiting Boston Celtics. The Celtics are familiar with being unwanted company though, and have only lost two games these playoffs– none of which were on the road. The Pacers were down 2-0 versus the New York Knicks in the Semifinals, and came back to win that series. Even though their 2023-24 season is flawed, they have shown resilience and displayed unparalleled basketball at times.


Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers Prediction: Over 222.5 points  (-110 on DraftKings Sportsbook)

In Tuesday's NBA Best Bets column I stated that defense is going to be an afterthought for this series. Instead of taking the straight bet on the over for Thursday’s Bet of the Night, it was added to the parlay. Today we are back on the over as the Bet of the Night. 

It very likely could be a winning ticket every game of this series, and even if it is not recommended for future Bet of the Nights, it would be wise to place a unit on the total over. The Celtics have proven they can play the Pacers style of offense, and the points should continue to come.

The Pacers and Celtics collectively scored 236 in game two, and much of the second half was without Tyrese Haliburton. He is expected to play today without any setbacks, which would aid the over for the total. Yet the Pacers and the Celtics both have a deeper bench then most give them credit for. If a team is going to keep their proverbial foot on the throttle, then bench players will be needed. 

There were 261 collective points scored in Game 1, so although the sportsbooks keep moving the total up, they are hesitant to move it up drastically. The Pacers will come out aggressively in the first quarter, just like they did in Game 2, but will look to sustain a lead. 222.5 points seems more than achievable for these two high scoring teams.

Pascal Siakam has been the only consistent starter for the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers will need more from their starters; more minutes, more effort, more rebounding, more defense, and more points. 

Their backups kept up with the Celtics starters, and gained valuable Eastern Conference Finals experience. However, Head Coach Rick Carlisle will have the Pacers mentally prepared for what is essentially a do or die moment for the 2023-24 Indiana Pacers. The starters should play over their average minutes in game 3.

  • Bet on Over 222.5 Total Points at DraftKings Sportsbook today!

 

 


 

Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers SGP: Jrue Holiday Over 13.5 Points, Tyrese Haliburton Over 16.5 Points, Myles Turner Over 15.5 Points (+458 on ESPN Sportsbook)

Rudy Gobert has already been the leading joke since Luka made the shot over him last night. He especially upset Fantasy Alarm NBA Best Bets by not earning a second block despite having over a half to do so. Honestly he got a piece of a Dallas field goal, but it was just partially blocked and looked more like an airball… it did not make it into the official stat book.

Had he made one more block the +400 four fold parlay would have been successful. Not to worry as there is a three-fold same game parlay with even better odds. Three player props are combined into one parlay and it sticks with the narrative of the Bet of the Night.

Jrue Holiday has really been the X-factor for the Boston Celtics this entire season, but especially in the Eastern Conference Finals. The 2021 NBA champion is playing at an elite level, and several minutes per game. He has scored 43 points, given out 18 assists, and grabbed 10 rebounds in this series. Game 1, which went into overtime, he put up double his average in points, and in Game 2 he had a barely mentioned double-double with 15 points and 10 assists. 

Holiday’s line is currently set at 14.5 points, but has been teased down one point to cover any unforeseen variables. He has easily been able to get to the rim and he wasn’t asked to score points in the fourth quarter. He will likely have to score throughout the game tonight, and earn 14 or more on the way.

Myles Turner and Tyrese Haliburton had terrible Game 2 performances. Turner due to fouls and lack of effort, and Haliburton due to leg soreness/injuries. Tyrese Haliburton scored 10 points in 28 minutes, while Turner could only get 8 points in 24 minutes. 

Both of them should play more minutes tonight and get back to what they displayed in game 1. They both had a high scoring double-double performance. Haliburton with 25 points and 10 assists, while Turner scored 23 points and had 10 rebounds. Both well over their point lines for today, and Fantasy Alarm looks to take advantage of the sportsbooks slip up. 

Haliburton and Turner will also be back at home, which should help them get in a rhythm early. Turner has spent his entire nine year career playing at the rowdy arena, and will respond to his bad performance of Game 2. Look for the longest tenured Pacers player to play with pride tonight and cover his point line.

Tyrese Haliburton is on the recently announced 2023-24 All-NBA team. He is the sixth Indiana Pacer to have the distinguished honor, and the first since Victor Oladipo in 2018. Haliburton was one of six guards to make the 15 player team, and in doing so is eligible for the $41 million dollar bonus in his extension. Look for the face of the franchise to play with pride, and to score throughout the game.

  • Bet on our Celtics vs. Pacers Same Game Parlay (+458) at ESPN Bet today!