(Photo : (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)) INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 04: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball whereas being guarded by Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers within the first quarter throughout the NBA In-Season Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 04, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {photograph}, User is consenting to the phrases and situations of the Getty Images License Agreement
The Eastern Conference Finals are locked in.
The Boston Celtics will tackle the Indiana Pacers for an opportunity to play within the 2024 NBA Finals.
The Celtics dominated their second-round opponent, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in 5 video games. While the Pacers battled the Knicks in a grueling seven-game collection, placing New York away behind an epic Game 7 efficiency.
Will Boston proceed to care for enterprise on their approach to the finals, or will the Pacers rain on the Celtics championship parade?
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Kristaps Porzingis Health Status
The Boston Celtics will profit from a couple of further days of relaxation. Quickly disposing of their postseason opponents has allowed star huge man Kristaps Porzingis extra time to recuperate from a calf pressure.
Porizingis has been out since Game 4 of the Celtic’s first collection in opposition to the Miami Heat, however there may be optimism for his return within the Conference Finals.
In their collection in opposition to Indiana, Porizingis ought to look to make use of his ground spacing and measurement to have the ability to neutralize the effectiveness of Myles Turner, who demonstrated his versatility within the collection in opposition to the Knicks.
Indianapolis Turning it Up to 500
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The highlight shall be on the Pacers’ younger core led by 24-year-old level guard Tyrese Haliburton, who rose to the event for Indiana of their second-round matchup versus New York.
Haliburton’s ascension within the basketball world has been compelling as he established himself as a high level guard within the sport by means of changing into an All-Star, whereas main the Pacers to the postseason for the primary time for the reason that 2019-20 season.
His subsequent activity shall be attempting to get his Indiana squad over the hump in opposition to a battle-tested Celtics group, who for essentially the most half have had their quantity in all common season matchups, beating the Pacers 3-2.
The Pacers even have a terrific mixture of veterans. Myles Turner has been with the group since 2015 and Pascal Siakam, who was traded to Indiana from the Toronto Raptors provides championship expertise, together with T.J. McConnell, who can be a nine-year professional within the NBA.
Head coach Rick Carlisle has championship expertise as nicely, having received one with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.
The query is, can Indiana’s protection maintain up in opposition to the Celtics?
The Pacers had been the most effective groups on offense within the NBA final season, ranked second in offensive score at 121.0 all through the common season.
However, they struggled defensively all through the season and at instances of their second-round matchup in opposition to the Knicks.
The Pacers do have huge wings in Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam that would hold with each Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, however they must dig deeper on protection to cease the Celtics, who’re additionally a top-five offense in their very own proper and in addition to an elite protection.
Boston would not play as quick because the Pacers, however they’re extremely versatile and have the depth that ought to trigger some issues.
Beantown
Boston hasn’t utterly opposed their will on their opponents fairly like Celtics followers have hoped. They’ve nonetheless managed to deal with their opponents, regardless of taking part in the Heat with out Jimmy Butler and the Cavs with out Donovan Mitchell for a portion of the collection.
Still, they need to be a favourite in opposition to the Indiana Pacers.
Stopping Tyrese Haliburton must be the first purpose for the Celtics on this Conference Finals matchup. He torched Boston all through the common season, averaging 18.9 factors and eight.9 assists per sport in matchups. Jrue Holiday and Derrick White ought to have their arms full all through the collection as they attempt to halt Tyrese Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard.
READ MORE: Knicks’ Jalen Brunson Suffers Devastating Injury in Game 7 Loss To Pacers
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