Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers

The Pacers had Game 1 stolen at Boston but threw it away. Since then, the better team has flexed its muscles and played up to its capabilities. Boston is up 3-0 after taking Games 2 and 3 easily and can close it out. The Celtics are third in the playoffs in points allowed after being No. 2 during the regular season. Boston had a 27-14 road record during the season, the best in the league, and is 5-0 straight-up in the playoffs. Indiana is 15th out of 16 teams defensively in the postseason after being last in the NBA during the regular season. They're also 10th in field goal shooting allowed (47.2%). The wagering value is on the visitor to win the game. Play Boston on the moneyline as a Max play. 

Indiana flat-out choked in Game 1 and lost in overtime 133-128, but the Pacers know they can play with this team and the Celtics were fortunate to come out with a victory. The Pacers will learn from that experience and they are 10-3-1 ATS their past 14 playoff games as underdogs of 5.0-10.5 points and Boston is 0-4 ATS following a win. Indiana is 18-7-2 ATS following a loss ans 11-4-1 ATS against opponents with .600 winning percentages. The Celtics have covered the spread just once their past five games and that was against an injury-depleted Cleveland squad. The Pacers will be more determined to eliminate mistakes while Boston is in a letdown spot. Take the Pacers.

Indiana shot the lights out in Game 7 on Sunday against New York and now it hopes to carry that momentum into tonight's game against the Celtics, who haven't played since Wednesday. Tyrese Haliburton scored 26 points and the Pacers shot an NBA playoff-record 67.1 percent from the field to improve to 51-41-3 ATS overall this season and they are 10-4-1 ATS their past 15 games versus teams with .600 winning percentages. Also, Indiana is 9-3-1 ATS its past 13 playoff games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5 points. Boston is 2-5 ATS its past seven conference final games and likely will be a little rusty after the long layoff. The Pacers obviously have plenty of offensive weapons to keep this one close, and they have covered four straight as road dogs of 5.0-10.5 points. Take the points with the Pacers - Max Play.