Back Celtics' well-rested offense in Game 1 against Pacers
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After a one-day hiatus between rounds, the NBA returns Tuesday with Game 1 between the Celtics and Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals. You can find a preview and series-long bets here.
We have two wagers for Tuesday's Game 1.
Obi Toppin: Under 8.5 points
Indiana plays fast and pushes the ball in transition. No Pacer benefits from that more than Toppin, who leads the playoffs in transition frequency and is second in transition points per possession.
The problem for Toppin is the Celtics allow the fewest transition points among playoff teams. They've been elite at transition defense all season and will emphasize it even more against the Pacers' speedy offense. That'll reduce Toppin's scoring chances.
Toppin only averaged 18 minutes per game against the Knicks. He's scored fewer than eight points in three of the last five contests. This won't be a series where Toppin produces.
Odds: -130
Celtics team total: Over 115.5 points
Expect a high-scoring series between two elite offenses willing to push the pace. Instead of playing the over in Game 1 - set at 221.5 - target the Celtics' team total.
This is as much about the Pacers' putrid road defense as it is about the Celtics' offense. Indiana has a 124 defensive rating on the road this postseason - second worst in the playoffs - compared to 111 at home. That's a stark difference.
The Pacers allowed 120 points per game when they played in New York. The Knicks' offense doesn't compare to the Celtics, who can generate easy looks against Indiana's defense.
Although they have a deep rotation, the Pacers will likely be tired after one day of rest between Game 7 against the Knicks and Game 1 against Boston - both road games. Meanwhile, the Celtics, who are 10-point favorites, haven't played since Wednesday and will be fully rested for Game 1. Boston's offense should run up the scoreboard in the series opener.
Odds: -115
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.