Pacers vs. Celtics SGP picks: Game 1

Pacers vs. Celtics SGP picks Game 1: Bet on Tatum, Siakam to impress in series opener

Pascal Siakam is the Pacers' leading scorer in the playoffs (21.1 PPG). Photo by Michael Conroy/AP.

Jordan Horrobin

May 21, 2024

After a surprising road win in Game 7 of the conference semis, the Indiana Pacers have reached the Eastern Conference finals to face the Boston Celtics.

The pregame narrative: Boston is a heavy favourite to win Game 1 and the series. Instead of picking a side, I'm taking an alt over while backing Pascal Siakam and Jayson Tatum on the prop market.

Check out the full Pacers vs. Celtics SGP picks for Game 1 on Tuesday, May 21.

Pacers vs. Celtics SGP picks

Parlay: Over 217.5 points + Siakam over 28.5 points/rebounds/assists + Tatum over 29.5 points (+270)

Over 217.5 points (-177): The Pacers' offence was untouchable when it mattered most, as the team shot 67.1% from the third and 54.2% from 3-point range in last round's clincher against the New York Knicks.

We won't need a performance like that for this number to cash, though it's nice to have a reminder of what the Pacers are capable of.

This pick is more about what Indiana and Boston have accomplished in the playoffs as a whole. They rank first and second, respectively, in offensive rating among playoff teams.

Additionally, they cashed this over in all five matchups during the regular season.

The average total in those games was 245.8 points.

Other parlay picks

Siakam over 28.5 PRA (-200): Siakam's performance against the Celtics on Jan. 30 was a nice reminder of why the Pacers had acquired him two weeks prior.

In his lone matchup against Boston as a Pacer, Siakam dropped 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting while adding six rebounds and two assists (31 PRA).

In the playoffs, Siakam is shooting a respectable 53.7% from the field while averaging 21.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists (32.1 PRA). He has cashed this prop in eight of 13 playoff games.

Siakam is Indiana's leading postseason scorer and has the highest usage rate among its starters (24.7%).

Tatum over 29.5 points (-110): Tatum is a massive favourite to win ECF MVP (-230), and I'm hoping he can set the tone in Game 1.

Boston's top dog has had an underwhelming postseason, but his numbers are looking up lately:

First seven games: 21.7 PPG, 40.7 FG%, 26.8 3PT%
Past three games: 30.3 PPG, 47.0 FG%, 30.4 3PT%

The 3-point shooting is still subpar, but his efficiency is climbing. And although Tatum played 42-plus minutes in each of his past three games, he should be properly rested after a five-day layoff.

During the regular season, Tatum scored 30-plus points in all four matchups against the Pacers.

Picks as of 11:00 a.m. on 05/21/2024.

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