Pacers (0-0) at Celtics (0-0) Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 5/21/24

[Boston Garden Leprechaun]

I believe Cleveland was bettter than both New York & Indiana

oh really?

[keevsnick]

I believe Cleveland was bettter than both New York & Indiana

oh really?

I think game 1-3 Cleveland with Mitchell might have been. After he went out not so much. By the end New York was just so banged up, it wasn't even a real team. Ind meanwhile is very inconsistent. Some nights they are great, others they stink. I think I'd probably take Indiana over Clevland without Allen but I don't think Indy is A LOT better.

[keevsnick]

The one nice thing about this Pacer's match up is at least its a healthy team. When you beat the decimated Heat or the Mitchell-less Cavs its hard to know how to feel about that becasue it sort of ruins the calibration.

But we know what the Pacers are. They have one All-NBA level guy in Haliburton and one solid All-Star level guy in Siakam. They fill out their starting lineup with solid shooting role players who make sense together. After acquiring Siakam (after the all star break) they went 16-10 or about a 50 win pace and had the league's second best offense and an average defense. They have a pretty deep bench, and they like to play very fast.

They are a solid team. So seeing how Boston plays against them will be a good calibrator.

[scaryjerry]

I believe Cleveland was bettter than both New York & Indiana

Mmm maybe if Cleveland is healthy. They were decimated by injury in the series against us.

[SHAQATTACK]

Here  we go…Oooooooooo on another exciting quest ….

[Phantom255x]

I have a nervous feeling about tonight. Not "doom and gloom" but cautious doubt. Which is odd because that's definitely what Game 2 should be lol

[Donoghus]

My dad's first game of the season and first game since beating cancer.  Hope the Celtics give him a W. 

[Vermont Green]

My dad's first game of the season and first game since beating cancer.  Hope the Celtics give him a W.

Wow, now that is something worth rooting for!

[Vermont Green]

I have a nervous feeling about tonight. Not "doom and gloom" but cautious doubt. Which is odd because that's definitely what Game 2 should be lol

I don't think it would surprise anyone if IND came out fast and hot and BOS not so much.  How well we can get the game back to our pace will be the key.

[celticinorlando]

IMO either the Pacers come out of on fire tonight or they are still getting over the Knicks series and are a step behind.

Boston needs to do their part.

[Vermont Green]

Tillman (personal) has been ruled out for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers on Tuesday.

Probably not an issue.  Maybe Brissett gets some run.  Or will they stick to the core 8 and only play Pritchard, Hauser, and Kornet off the bench?  The way that IND runs, I am not sure it is a good match up for Kornet.

[celticinorlando]

Scal said he would not be surprised if Brissett gets some run against the Pacers.

[Who]

I have a nervous feeling about tonight. Not "doom and gloom" but cautious doubt. Which is odd because that's definitely what Game 2 should be lol

I don't think it would surprise anyone if IND came out fast and hot and BOS not so much.  How well we can get the game back to our pace will be the key.

That is usually what happens when one team has had some time off. They take a quarter to get going again. Meanwhile the other team builds up a small lead. Usually only lasts a quarter. Shed the rust.

[SHAQATTACK]

“ ha..Let them eat cake ! “

[Who]

Pacers are healthier. They are not healthy.

They are missing Mathurin. That is like us missing Jrue Holiday or Derrick White.

Mathurin is their most natural scorer on their team. Their best shot-creator. He is still young and inconsistent but he is a dynamic player that can win games. He was leading their team in Q4 scoring last season. A lot of their struggles offensively in the playoffs wouldn't have been nearly as bad if he had been available. Both in terms of shot-creation and adding another perimeter shot-maker.