Superstar point guard Tyrese Haliburton may have re-aggravated a hamstring injury from earlier this season. The Indiana Pacers face a must win Game 3 on their home floor.
Boston Celtics @ Indiana Pacers (10:30am)
Best Bet
Make no mistake, Indiana’s entire season rides on this game. No team has come back from being down 0 – 3 in the history of the NBA. With Haliburton appearing to have reinjured his left hamstring from January, ironically against the Boston Celtics, the Pacers have a mountain of work ahead of them. If Haliburton misses, Coach Carlisle could move TJ McConnell to the starters. He could also swing Andrew Nembhard across to PG and start Obi Toppin to provide a different match up for the C’s.
I’m expecting Haliburton to go through warmups and give playing a go. How much he can play or how affected his explosiveness becomes, may decide the result of this game.
It will also affect who Jrue Holiday matches up against. Jrue has been feasting on the Pacer’s guards with 21.5 points, 9 assists and 5 rebounds across the first two games. Game 1 saw Jrue attempt 16 FG’s which included 8 three-point attempts. If Nesmith or McConnell get an extended run, Boston will post up Holiday who has a great back to the basket repertoire.
So far, Jrue has averaged 42 minutes per game against Indiana allowing ample time to collect PRA’s. Boston have had the luxury of when one star is having a sub-par game, the next man up has been able to contribute. The ever consistent Holiday has found another gear since the first round playoffs against Miami and should keep rolling here.
Value Bet
Big Al has been filling in for Porzingis as the Celtics starting Centre. KP while rumoured to be returning this series, will not be playing in this game. Luke Kornet went back to the locker room during Game 2 with a wrist injury and is a game time decision at best for this game.
Horford was exposed in Game 1 by Haliburton, the Pacers were constant in attacking Horford and the Celtics had to pivot in Game 2. The adjustment on the defensive end meant that Horford’s minutes dropped from 40 to just 25. Now the Celtics are left with little option but to play Al and live with the result.
Horford’s rebound numbers are solid going 6 and then 10, even with the minutes reduction. He has averaged 8.8 over his last five games and 9.1 for this seasons playoff run.
I’m also happy to consider +10 at $3.60 or a double double will pocket you $5.20. Horford has cleared double figures 3 of the last 4 against Indiana.
SGM – Holiday +6 assists/ Horford +6 Rebounds/Siakam +20 Points = $3.10
