The Boston Celtics have 17 championships to their name, which is tied for the most in league history. They are looking to add another one to their name, but they will have to get past the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals first.
Boston has dominated all year long, but the acquisition of Pascal Siakam has turned the Pacers into legitimate contenders. In this article, we will explain how you can watch their postseason matchup.
Where is the Pacers vs. Celtics series?
With the best record in the NBA, Boston has homecourt advantage throughout the NBA playoffs. That means that they will host Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Indiana is only a six-seed. Their home games are played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, which will serve as host for Games 3, 4, and 6.
How to watch Pacers vs. Celtics
Game 1: Pacers @ Celtics on Tuesday, May 21 at 8 p.m. ET – ESPN
Game 2: Pacers @ Celtics on Thursday, May 23 at 8 p.m. ET – ESPN
Game 3: Celtics @ Pacers on Saturday, May 25 at 8:30 p.m. ET – ABC
Game 4: Celtics @ Pacers on Monday, May 27 at 8 p.m. ET – ESPN
Game 5: Pacers @ Celtics on Wednesday, May 29 at 8 p.m. ET – ESPN
Game 6: Celtics @ Pacers on Friday, May 31 at 8 p.m. ET – ESPN
Game 7: Pacers @ Celtics on Sunday, June 2 at 8 p.m. ET – ESPN
Pacers storylines
Last year, the Pacers won only 35 games, and they didn't even make the playoffs. The signs were there that the team had potential, though. Tyrese Haliburton emerged as one of the brightest young stars in the NBA. He is arguably the best playmaker in the league, and he proved that by leading the league in assists per game this season.
Even so, no one would have guessed the Pacers would make this big of a leap. The team came out of the gates hot, though. They had the best offensive rating for much of the season, and they even made a run to the In-Season Tournament championship game.
Still, Indiana seemed destined for a play-in appearance or an early postseason exit. That changed at the trade deadline when the team added two-time All-Star Pascal Siakam. The power forward brings a whole new dynamic to the team and gives Haliburton a legitimate co-star.
Now, the Pacers are playing in the Eastern Conference Finals, with a trip to the NBA Finals on the line. Although they beat the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks teams that were depleted by injuries, Indiana has still proven that they can play with anybody, and their offense can get hot at any given time. That was evident in Game 7 against the Knicks. The Pacers couldn't miss in the elimination game. In fact, they shot more efficient from the field than any team before them in postseason history.
In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pacers will once again be taking on a team with injury issues. Kristaps Porzingis will miss the first couple of games in the series, and while winning on the road isn't easy, Indiana will need to take advantage.
Celtics storylines
While Porzingis' injury is a big blow, especially considering Myles Turner could give Boston problems, the Celtics still have a stacked roster and enough firepower and experience to advance to the NBA Finals. The only team that finished with a better offensive rating during the regular season than the Pacers was the Celtics. They have continued that success during the postseason as well.
Boston is also balanced, as they also ranked second in defensive rating. The team has now made the Conference Finals in six of the last eight years. They haven't been able to take the next step and hoist up the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy, though.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown form one of the best duos in the NBA, but it is the team's offseason acquisitions that give fans hope that this is finally Boston's year. Jrue Holiday has brought more defense to Boston's lineup, and Porzingis, although he is hurt, is a matchup nightmare for opponents as a 7-foot-2 shooter. Both players were added via trade in the offseason, but the Celtics have also seen internal growth.
Derrick White is a prime example of that. He is also an elite defensive player, but he has taken his offensive game to new levels this season, and that has been even more so the case during the postseason. White is making 3.7 three-pointers per game while scoring 18.2 points per game during Boston's playoff run. The guard has a 38-point game and a three-game stretched where he made 20 three-pointers during these playoffs.
No one has been able to slow Boston down this season. Their 64 wins were seven more than the next best team, and they won each of their previous postseason series in only five games. Boston is a big favorite against the Pacers, and rightfully so. The NBA is unpredictable, though, so you won't want to miss the Eastern Conference Finals. Will Boston's dominance continue, or will the Pacers complete the ultimate Cinderella story?
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