The Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics are set to clash in the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday night at TD Garden. The Indiana Pacers, fresh off a thrilling seven-game series victory over the New York Knicks, will face a well-rested Celtics team that dispatched the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games.
Indiana Pacers Poised for an Upset?
The Celtics enter the series as the favorites, boasting a better record and a deeper roster. However, the Indiana Pacers have shown resilience and tenacity, led by the unwavering Tyrese Haliburton. His leadership, combined with the seasoned presence of Pascal Siakam, gives Indiana a fighting chance to upset the Boston juggernaut.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 22, 2024
Key Players and Injury Updates
Indiana Pacers
- Out: Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder injury)
Boston Celtics
- Out: Kristaps Porzingis (right soleus strain)
- Questionable: Xavier Tillman Sr. (personal reasons)
Starting Lineups and Depth Charts
Indiana Pacers
- Point Guards: Tyrese Haliburton, T.J. McConnell, Isaiah Wong
- Shooting Guards: Andrew Nembhard, Ben Sheppard, Kendall Brown
- Small Forwards: Aaron Nesmith, Doug McDermott, Jarace Walker
- Power Forwards: Pascal Siakam, Obi Toppin
- Centers: Myles Turner, Jalen Smith, Isaiah Jackson
Boston Celtics
- Point Guards: Jrue Holiday, Payton Pritchard
- Shooting Guards: Derrick White, Sam Hauser, Jaden Springer
- Small Forwards: Jaylen Brown, Svi Mykhailiuk
- Power Forwards: Jayson Tatum, Oshae Brissett
- Centers: Al Horford, Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman Sr.
How to Watch Game 1
Fans can catch the action on ESPN and ESPN2, with local broadcasts available on Bally Sports Indiana and NBC Sports Boston. Online streaming is accessible through DirecTV and Sling TV in the US, and NBA League Pass internationally. The game tips off at 8 p.m. ET.
Betting Odds and Insights
The Celtics are favored to win Game 1, with a -452 moneyline and a -10 spread. Despite Boston’s dominance and rest advantage, the Indiana Pacers’ recent play-off rhythm could pose a challenge. The Celtics’ extended break might work against them, giving the in-groove Pacers a potential edge.
Looking Ahead
Tuesday’s showdown promises an exhilarating start to the Eastern Conference finals. Will the Celtics‘ powerhouse performance prevail, or will the underdog Indiana Pacers pull off a stunning upset? Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling series opener.
