Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers Pick Game 4

The Boston Celtics (52-33) will square off with the Indiana Pacers (48-37) at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana for a Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. The tip is scheduled for 1:00 PM ET and set to be televised for national audiences on ABC. The Celtics have surged forward to a 3-0 lead after defeating the Pacers 104-96 on Friday to cover as a 2.5-point road underdog. The victory extended Boston’s winning streak over Indiana to six games.

Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers Overview

Boston Celtics

The Celtics defense continues to be the prime mover in this series as they once again were able to hold Indiana’s offense under 95 points for the third time this season. While the discussion in this series defensively may have been Indiana’s top-ranked scoring defense at season’s end, it is, in fact, Boston’s D that has taken center stage.

Indiana Pacers

Once again in Game Three, the Pacers found themselves holding a lead that it could not sustain. Indiana led by five points at one point before the third quarter saw that margin evaporate. The Pacers managed to score more points in the paint (34-22) and fast break points (13-10) than Boston, but it was still to no avail.

Reasons To Avoid Boston

The Celtics have not failed to cover in this series yet, and as a result, we have seen even more money flow in on the C’s as a result. In fact, 72% of the public like Boston here as the favorite. For the first time in a series as well we have seen a significant change in opening odds take place within a two-game stretch occurring on the same court. In Game Three, the C’s were a 2.5-point dog, but now they are a two-point choice. This is a 4.5-point swing which could signify a real possibility for an overlay and overreaction given the fact that we have seen stagnation in opening lines for the most part in two-game stretches that have occurred in the same court. Good examples of this are Philadelphia opening as a 2.5-point favorite in Game Three and Game Four. Despite a significant win Game Three in Brooklyn. Houston opening as a 6.5-point favorite in Game One and Game Two despite the Game One blowout win, and the Warriors opening as a 13.5-point choice in Game Two after covering at the same number one in Game One against the Clippers.

Reasons To Back Indiana

It would be safe to conclude that the Pacers’ prognostication for this series at this point is terminal as it would be nothing short of miraculous if Indiana were to come back and win four straight. Be that as it may, Indiana will play this game for pride and likely fall prey to what is called a Gentleman’s Sweep where they win one game to save face on their own court. I can certainly see this happening as Indiana has several angles it can utilize to procure a win. The question is whether or not Indiana can hold serve in the third quarter and not get buried. I think they will find a way to do so this one contest.