Celtics vs. Pacers odds, prediction: 2024 NBA Eastern Conference finals picks, Game 2 bets by proven model

The Boston Celtics will look to take their first 2-0 series lead of the 2024 NBA playoffs when they take on the Indiana Pacers in a pivotal 2024 Eastern Conference Finals Game 2 matchup on Thursday. Boston outlasted Indiana 133-128 in overtime in the series opener on Tuesday. The Pacers (47-35), the sixth seed, were 32-20 against Eastern Conference opponents during the regular season. The Celtics (64-18), the top seed for the first time in seven years, were nearly unbeatable at home during the year, going 37-4. Kristaps Porzingis (calf) remains out for Boston.

The game from TD Garden in Boston will tip off at 8 p.m. ET. The Pacers are averaging a league-best 115.2 points per game this postseason, while the Celtics average 110.4, second-best. Boston is a 8.5-point favorite in the latest Pacers vs. Celtics odds from SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 224.5. Before making any Celtics vs. Pacers picks, be sure to check out the NBA predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model enters the conference finals in the 2024 NBA playoffs on a sizzling 94-61 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning more than $2,800. Anyone following the model has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Pacers vs. Celtics and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are the NBA betting lines and trends for Pacers vs. Celtics:

• Pacers vs. Celtics spread: Boston -8.5
• Pacers vs. Celtics over/under: 224.5 points
• Pacers vs. Celtics money line: Indiana +296, Boston -375
• IND: The Pacers have hit the fourth-quarter game total under in 47 of their last 70 games (+20.40 units)
• BOS: The Celtics have hit the first-half money line in 35 of their last 41 games (+28.30 units)
• Pacers vs. Celtics picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why the Celtics can cover

Shooting guard Derrick White nearly posted a double-double in Game 1, scoring 15 points, while adding nine assists and six rebounds. He has been solid this postseason, and had an 18-point, six-assist and five-rebound performance in the Game 5 win over the Cavaliers. He has reached double-digit scoring in 10 of 11 playoff games. His best game was a 38-point, four-rebound, three-assist and three-block performance in a 102-88 Game 4 first-round win at Miami. In 11 postseason matchups, he is averaging 17.9 points, 4.3 assists and four rebounds.

Point guard Jrue Holiday was on fire in Game 1, pouring in 28 points, while adding eight assists, seven rebounds and three steals. In 11 games, all starts, he is averaging 12 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.4 steals in 38.1 minutes of action this postseaon. In the Game 5 closeout win over Cleveland, he scored 13 points, while adding four assists and three rebounds. He played well during the regular season against the Pacers as in five games, he averaged 14 points, six rebounds, 4.4 assists and one block. See which team to pick here.

Why the Pacers can cover

Power forward Pascal Siakam asserted himself once again as a dominant force in Game 1. In 42 minutes of action against the Celtics, he scored 24 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and added seven assists for his third double-double of the postseason. It was his first one since scoring 37 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing out six assists in a 125-108 first-round Game 2 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on April 23. In 14 postseason games, he is averaging 21.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 35.4 minutes.

Point guard Tyrese Haliburton also recorded a double-double in the Game 1 loss to Boston. In 40 minutes of action, Haliburton scored 25 points, while dishing out 10 assists and adding three rebounds, three steals, and one block. In 14 playoff games, he is averaging 19.3 points, 8.2 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 35.3 minutes. He is connecting on 48.8% of his field goals, including 38.1% from 3-point range, and 85% from the foul stripe. See which team to pick here.

How to make Pacers vs. Celtics picks

SportsLine’s model is leaning Over on the point total, projecting 229 combined points. It has also generated an against-the-spread pick that hits in well over 50% of simulations. You can only get the model’s pick at SportsLine.

So who wins Pacers vs. Celtics, and which side of the spread hits in well over 50% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Celtics vs. Pacers spread to jump on, all from the advanced model that has returned more than $2,800 on its NBA picks this seasonand find out.