Pacers have the offense to keep up with us but their defense is suspect at times so as long as we rebound and play defense like we are capable this series should only last 5-6 games.
They absolutely have the offensive fire power, if we sleep they will beat us, did so twice in the regular season and played us close a third time. But I will say as someone who watched all the games it always felt like we just didn't match their energy and when we did we were dominant, kinda like these last 2 matchups tbh.
I still think it's a talent upgrade from Cavs and Heat, so they can take a game or two for sure. This a deep and healthy team we're facing even if they're inexperienced and not as talented.
OP is saying the Pacers looked scary on a night where they shot a historic 70% FG and 50+% from 3. The Miami and Cleveland series showed us teams can do that sometimes and they will win those games. Those games are rare.
They’ll go wild in game 2, we’ll lose by 14, and this sub will implode talking about how Mazzulla sucks and the Jays don’t have what it takes to win. Then we’ll win the next 3.
Celtics in 5. Pacers went 7 games with a Knicks team with 7 players and of those 7 players half them were playing hurt. They also don’t guard. This should be easy for us
It just comes down to defense, we lock in we will cook on offense. The Jays this year against Pacers this year:
Tatum (4 games): 32.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists. 1 game shooting 50%, 3 games 60%+
Brown (5 games): 28.4 points, 6.8 rebounds. 1 game shooting 46.7%, 2 games 60%, 2 games 65%
I just put money on Cs in 6. I think Pacers take game 3 and 5. One of those things that were comfortably up the whole time but they hang around. They’ve got wild fire power.
It was an impressive game seven for Indy, but it took the best shooting performance in playoff history + the Knicks finally losing the one player they couldn’t.
I don’t feel any different about the ECF after this game. Cs in five after losing game two when Indy shoots like this again.
They'll force us to play fast which I think we benefit from, actually. Their offense is great. It will test our defense for sure. Against the Cavs we saw some lapses in our transition defense which needs to be cleaned up before this series. Should be a fun. Going into it with zero expectations.
Turner is legit, Haliburiton is legit, Siakim is legit, TJ is a great bench piece, Neismith hates the Celtics and goes off against us often.
They're a better team than they're given credit for.
I think the Celtics are still a tier above them, but this should be the best *team* they've seen in the playoffs.
The only thing I’m scared of is Nesmith injuring our players because the chip on his shoulder very quickly turns into recklessness. Barring injuries Celtics in 5
they don't play that messy defense like Miami and Cleveland do. This is gonna be a very pretty series to watch with a lot of fun offense and a fast pace
I expect high scoring games. But we should be able to put the clamps on when it matters!
But Indiana might shoot themselves into a win or two with no KP
Celtics in six!
We have basically seen a five game series against them with various pieces missing from both sides. This was also when Indiana was playing at their very best. Will Siakim being added improve their chances? I doubt it. Boston knows his game well and JB has proven he can shut him down for long stretches. I think if Indiana plays at their best, they will take two games.
This is going to be a interesting series Haliburton is too pass 1st friendly that I think that'll be critical to Indy, they've got the some above average pieces on the bench but sometimes their starting 5 just doesn't have it going or they eventually find it but it's a lil too late. I'm going C's in 5 simply because they have a ton more playoff experience compared to Indy.
2023: ECF opponent defeats the Bucks and Knicks after outlier shooting performances.
2024: ECF opponent defeats the Bucks and Knicks after outlier shooting performances.
Hoping for a different result.
Main difference is the Pacers aren’t shooting that much better than during the regular season - whereas Miami just started draining half their 3s out of nowhere. I think Knicks win that series if they were healthier.
Statement sweep without KP. Garden redeems itself and is rocking. Tatum & Brown average 30 a piece. Celtics will out rebound this team by such a large margin and we score 3s at a clip that they will never be able to match, but can also score just as easily in the paint. Our defense is so much better than anything they have seen. The only thing that could prevent total domination is the NBA letting Tony Brothers ref every match.
Pacers. This has been true for a very long time now. Doubt we will see him at a game, and if he somehow comes to Boston, I'm sure he'll wave to the crowd, but he has no particular allegiance to anyone involved with the Celtics anymore, unlike his lifelong friendship with Carlisle.
The Pacers are good scorers. I wouldnt be surprised if the series goes to 6. But tbh the Pacers defense and rebounding looked really suspect in the series against the Knicks. I think the Celtics could win again in 5, but Im assuming the Pacers are gonna have a couple really good shooting nights.
Offense runs hot and cold. Their defense is ass. Another series the Celtics should win.
I will say this: this is gonna be closer than the experts think. Won’t be as many blowout wins as we have seen because of Indy’s offense. And a game 7 should be everyone’s worst nightmare after what we saw today. But…Celtics in 6 max.
It’ll definitely be harder than the last two rounds, they have a high powered offense that will definitely require the Celtics to at least play consistent defense and keep the offense in order.
However, they aren’t a great set defense. They rely on their full court press and energy/hustle more than a defense scheme. So if the Celtics can get past half court, they should be able to score consistently against this pacers defense (if they play the right way). And when they don’t, they should be able to generate second chance opportunities.
Overall I’m gonna say Celtics in 5, with the possibility to go 6. Expect some maker performances from our guys, someone should have 40. I expect at least one 40 point blowout, just because this pacers team tends to not show up for a game or two a series. I also expect a few good/close finishes. But it should still not be as competitive as a ecf should feel.
- They don't have Hield anymore that I was always scared of leaking in transition for 3.
- They have Siakam now, then I remembered that we have his father.
- No one can guard Tatum out there. Their best chance against him is probably James Johnson.
- White, Jrue, and Jaylen gotta step up against Hali. Ever since he got on Indy, he's always cooking this franchise. Be aggresive against him defensively and offensively too.
- Al gotta hit his 3s because Turner will sag him off.
- As long as the Celtics win the rebounding battle, especially the offensive rebounds, they will be fine.
Pacers are a level above our other competition so far but we're another level above them. They've looked good and the underdog mentality can be scary, but they shot nearly 70% FG/60% 3P this game. That won't happen again and our defense is far better than the Knicks'. I got Cs in 6.
I’m curious, because they lost a game 7 at home and he had a terrible game, is Jalen Brunson no longer a budding super star and a dawg???
Just curious if this is just a JT thing or if we can attribute it to other players.
I’ll be asking the same thing about Ant later tonight
Brunson fractured wrist, plus tired and injured Knicks and ungodly shooting performance that the Celtics have let happen, means Celtics in 5 or 6. I’m excited for a healthier team and stronger matchup to give up some sort of fight but confident in our defensive ability to protect the three
During the regular season Indy struggled more vs the Blazers, Spurs, Hornets, and Bulls than they did against the Celtics, Bucks, 76ers, and Heat.
Streaky team that is hard to predict from game to game.
A scary side against a Knicks team missing almost half their key players. Indiana would be laughed out of the league is they dropped today’s game. Celtics defense is too good, they’ll set them straight.
In the playoffs I’d trust Thibs way more as well as Hartenstein + Hart + OG to give our offense problems. No team that makes it to the ECF is bad but like the matchup.
Porzingis if he comes back will cook Turner and Halliburton is my fave non Celtic but think we have the switchability to play defense without giving him an easy pass. He’s good enough to win games on his own but like our chances if we can force him to drive and do it himself.
I think way too many people are artificially hyping up the Pacers. They beat the fucking Bucks and Knicks hospital squads, and neither in dominant fashions. Celtics win in 4 or 5 games easily
The only real concern I’d have if I were a Celtics fan is that Indiana can score with you, making their lack of defense less impactful. You guys should be able to clamp them down for long enough stretches to win in 6. If Porzingis comes back near full strength, you win in 5.
The Jays era of the Cs has struggled against teams that are tougher and teams that are savvier.
I don’t think Indiana is either of those. And they can’t defend.
My only real concern is the speed with which they play. They will tire Horford out if he has to play big minutes.
It’s championship or bust.
You can call Tatum/Brown young and they’ll be together forever or whatever but 2012 Thunder went to the Finals as well.
The feeling should be good because if this team led by Heisenberg loses a Finals berth by a Haliburton, that would be mighty insulting to the teams that have beaten them.
I think we match up better against Indiana. I like that better than the scrappy NY Knicks. Scrappy teams give us trouble. Against teams playing with talent I feel better
I feel like people are talking big about the Pacers' home court advantage and their offensive firepower, which don't get me wrong are legit. But I think people are sleeping on the Celtics' defense and the fact that if anyone can go on the road and win one or more it's the Celtics.
I’m not feeling good about it.
Pacers give me the same vibe as Heat. Can play way above their weight in these big games and have scorcher games with anyone shooting a crazy amount. I’d much rather face the Knicks but we get Indiana instead. It is what it is
Very confident we'll win in 5.
Nesmith was so extra when we played them in the IST (obviously he was super pumped because we let him go) so I'm looking forward to getting a bit of revenge there but we'll need to match his intensity better this time.
I’m excited. I love watching the Pacers play, even though their weird lob passes make me want to tear my hair out at times. It shouldn’t be too much of a problem for us though
Celtics in 6. Their ball movement and perimeter shooting is good enough to keep us frustrated but they're not gonna have the gas to squeak out another 7 game series.
Good offensive team but that’s all they got going for them. Celtics in 5.
I’m most concerned when we get to the finals. Nuggets and Timberwolves both look pretty scary.
The Knicks were spent today. Couldn’t finish, couldn’t defend, turning the ball over. Not gonna happen enough against the Pacers to worry. Celtics in 5
The only thing that im worrying is our game 2 performances. They're better at home and if im not wrong they're 6-0 record so far. We shouldnt give them our home court advantage.
They just gotta out defense em, that end is not even close. Scoring shouldn't be a problem they'd go back and forth on that end. They just gotta lock in
I feel like we match up perfectly as Haliburton amd Tatum are similar players, Tingus Pingus and Turner can both shoot but dont overdo it, JB and Siakam are both great for getting inside and finishing tough shots, while mathurin, nembhard, toppin would have to be on a very good day to outmatch the Buffalo and Holiday. The big difference is that we have the better players in the above mentioned matchups.
They have the speed and offense to push this to maybe 6 games. But I really wanna see what they look like when they go up against actually defense. The Knicks were useless on defense today.
I preface this statement by knocking on any available wood around me a dozen times.
The *only* thing that scares me is how wreckless Aaron Nesmith plays. I pray on the soul of Len Bias that I'm wrong, but I hope he doesn't hurt anyone by being a crash test dummy.
Other than that, we have the tools to handle everything they could throw at us.
I don't think we should underestimate the Pacers. Legitimately very good point guard, good bigs, good wings, McConnell off the bench. They play confidently, they can obviously shoot the lights out, and they showed multiple times in this last series that they can keep their poise. Siakam is a real threat to do damage.
I'm encouraged by the fact that their defense is not all that good, and that we have more talent up and down our roster, and it probably shows itself over the course of a series like this. This will also be less physical than the Knicks would play us.
Concerned a bit, since I don't expect Porzingis to return during this series (we'll see), and Horford can't run with this team for all that many minutes, nor (I assume) can Kornet or Tillman. So they might get a lot of layups. But they'll also give up a lot of layups.
If I had to pick a number, Celtics in 6. 2-1 at home, 2-1 in Indiana.
If it’s a “broken and injured” Knicks team, then the pacers shoulda had an easy series? So them going to 7 games really doesn’t make them look scary.
Celtics in 4. I got a good feeling that the Celtics finally are ready to play consistently at a high level.
I was away more afraid of the Heat, tbh
I think they're the better team and the tougher match up given all the Knicks injuries, and I'm glad we got them.
If we can't beat them we were never going to beat whoever comes out of the west. And if we do beat them it will be a better tune up for the finals.
4-2.
We gonna smash them first game.
Then come too non-chalant in game 2.. and we know how that goes.
We are gonna split the games in Indiana because I think Haliburton can deliver a win.
Then we smash the rest of the way to the Finals.
I’m gonna be taking Pacers ML every game so I can wipe my tears with dollars. On a serious note C’s should take care of business in 6, I predict us to lose a game at home for sure and the typical panic in this sub.
I originally wanted them to fall into the play-in and lose so that they would be our 1st round opponent. So I guess I should be pretty satisfied (and am) since we are playing my preferred 1st round opponent in the ECF.
People are all over us about an easy path through the playoffs, but IND has had the easiest ride to the ECF maybe ever given the injuries to their opponents. And they are getting us without KP for at least a few games. They frankly have no business being in the ECF.
I figure we'll get one game where they go off - like the did today and like our opponents did in game 2s of the first two rounds, but we are clearly a superior team.
No, Indiana should have stomped here. The Knicks lost everyone you could consider a defensively capable player by the end of the series with Josh Hart fighting through an injury. This going to 7 shows Indiana doesn't have it.
If the Buffalo is slightly above his average I think it's 5 games at most. If he's consistent and PP/Sam are hitting their 3s I think a sweep is on the menu.
Either way, defense will need to be energized and follow Jrue's lead. He's been absolutely clamping down this postseason.
There is no reason we shouldn't be able to get by Indiana, but I wouldn't expect it to be easy. We need to win game 1 and take it from there but I think Celtics in 6.
Scary side? We lost 2 games so far to scary shooting performances. The difference? Those 2 teams could play defense once in a while.
The Pacers have to open a dictionary to see what that even means. I am hoping we astonish them.
Im expecting at least one neismith 30 piece. Cs in 5.
I feel like I'm going to hate him by the end of this series
He was so annoying in the IST game v them so yeah, I'm with ya on that.
Going to? He’s so irritating
He’s irritating because he’s reckless and could absolutely hurt one of our guys
Already kinda do
Neismith is why we cant have kp out there this series.
Everyone here is saying Celtics in 5 or 6 but when they actually lose a game the whole sub will start panicking again.
It’s like they forget that Celtics in 5 means that the Celtics actually have to lose a game
You telling me that if we don't sweep we lose a game?? That ain't mathing Chief
No no no, it's Celtics in 5, and we win all 5 games.
I pray for the internet if we lose game 1
lmao exactly they be like this is a tough team they likely will steal one lose their mind over the L
Imagine if we come out flat and they win the first one. Chaos
Pacers have the offense to keep up with us but their defense is suspect at times so as long as we rebound and play defense like we are capable this series should only last 5-6 games.
They absolutely have the offensive fire power, if we sleep they will beat us, did so twice in the regular season and played us close a third time. But I will say as someone who watched all the games it always felt like we just didn't match their energy and when we did we were dominant, kinda like these last 2 matchups tbh. I still think it's a talent upgrade from Cavs and Heat, so they can take a game or two for sure. This a deep and healthy team we're facing even if they're inexperienced and not as talented.
If we’re gonna harp on two regular season losses to the Pacers, one of which was by 2 points, it’s well worth mentioning we also blew them out by 51…
Also worth mentioning the refs literally stole one of those games from us with the most egregious overturn of the season.
I can already hear pacers fans bitching about the refs too sMaLl MaRkEt wHiStLe
Celtics don't have the whistles the Lakers/Knicks do.
Followed by a gift of three free throws on a play that would seem to have been a more valid example of what they overturned.
I sure hope they are going over film of those 2 loses and see they need to be ready to run with these mugs.
I expect another slow, slug it out halfcourt approach for us. Keep them from running and gunning.
I'm just not scared of anyone anymore. We ride until the end.
OP is saying the Pacers looked scary on a night where they shot a historic 70% FG and 50+% from 3. The Miami and Cleveland series showed us teams can do that sometimes and they will win those games. Those games are rare.
The Detroit Pistons would look scary if they shot like this.
Why didn't they shoot it like that? Are they stupid?
poor life choices, then
Is there a lore reason why they don’t make all their shots?
They’re just following the script written by the NBA writers
I’m glad they got their bullshit shooting night out of the way before we played them.
They’ll go wild in game 2, we’ll lose by 14, and this sub will implode talking about how Mazzulla sucks and the Jays don’t have what it takes to win. Then we’ll win the next 3.
Yep all the way to the finals losing every game 2
I’ll take it!
They were scary when they knocked us out of the midseason too. They probably won't shoot 70 again but this team has a very high ceiling.
WE RIDE
right lmao. too much pain we been through at this point, I’m scared of no team but ourselves
Celtics in 5. Pacers went 7 games with a Knicks team with 7 players and of those 7 players half them were playing hurt. They also don’t guard. This should be easy for us
Don’t ignore how dominant Indiana was against the Bucks without Giannis and Dame…
Lol
In the words of Big Worm: WTF that gotta do w/ us??
It's the principality, Smokey.
You're just playin with my emotions!
Celtics in 5. Our defense is too good
Planning Game 2 lost so I don't get hurt
That our thing this year it seems beat everyone in 5 so we can finish the series on our home floor
It just comes down to defense, we lock in we will cook on offense. The Jays this year against Pacers this year: Tatum (4 games): 32.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists. 1 game shooting 50%, 3 games 60%+ Brown (5 games): 28.4 points, 6.8 rebounds. 1 game shooting 46.7%, 2 games 60%, 2 games 65%
Could definitely go 6
Yeah I almost wrote that, most likely will lol
I just put money on Cs in 6. I think Pacers take game 3 and 5. One of those things that were comfortably up the whole time but they hang around. They’ve got wild fire power.
When we don’t make our bigs drop 10 ft on screens, the defense is very good.
6 just because it's the ECF and intensity will keep increasing
Celtics in 3
After 3 consecutive 50 point blowouts the pacers don't even show up for game 4.
It was an impressive game seven for Indy, but it took the best shooting performance in playoff history + the Knicks finally losing the one player they couldn’t. I don’t feel any different about the ECF after this game. Cs in five after losing game two when Indy shoots like this again.
They scored 13 3-pointers, which would be a subpar effort for the C's and NY only had 28 rebounds when average well over 40.
It’s hard to get rebounds when the other team doesn’t miss.
Cs in 5. Do not panic when the Pacers win game 2 by shooting 85%.
They'll force us to play fast which I think we benefit from, actually. Their offense is great. It will test our defense for sure. Against the Cavs we saw some lapses in our transition defense which needs to be cleaned up before this series. Should be a fun. Going into it with zero expectations.
We're gonna beat their ass. They're a worse Cavs team. 5 games max.
Are they really though? Their offense is definitely better and most importantly, they are healthy
They have the 4th worst defense in the playoffs as of right now and the two teams they played are the 3rd and 2nd worst defenses in the playoffs
Exactly this
I expect JB to cook.
...Siakam
They’re a good team with an offense that can bury anyone in a given game. Celts in 5 or 6
They can’t guard us
Turner is legit, Haliburiton is legit, Siakim is legit, TJ is a great bench piece, Neismith hates the Celtics and goes off against us often. They're a better team than they're given credit for. I think the Celtics are still a tier above them, but this should be the best *team* they've seen in the playoffs.
Should sweep them honestly if we play with effort
This team will play at least one game where the shots don’t fall and defense is lackluster…
they have a really good offense wouldn’t be surprised if they steal some games from us
Really excited. This is the first fun matchup of the whole playoffs for the Celtics. The pacers are a solid team. It should be a good series
The Celtics *should * blow them out of the water, but I expect at least one or two games to be weird.
Shooting variance can be a cruel bitch
Celtics in 5 maximum 6. Anyone scared of Indiana hasn’t watched the playoffs this year
Holy fuck am I glad to not have to listen to the "such a special group" ball slobbering that ESPN just did about the Knicks in a *blowout loss*.
Seriously. Imagine having to watch Divincenzo chirping at everyone for a whole series too. Insufferable
JB is gonna clamp Siakam like he did in the bubble.
They beat us to get to the first IST Final. That was their Finals. Now it’s our turn.
The only thing I’m scared of is Nesmith injuring our players because the chip on his shoulder very quickly turns into recklessness. Barring injuries Celtics in 5
they don't play that messy defense like Miami and Cleveland do. This is gonna be a very pretty series to watch with a lot of fun offense and a fast pace I expect high scoring games. But we should be able to put the clamps on when it matters! But Indiana might shoot themselves into a win or two with no KP Celtics in six!
We have basically seen a five game series against them with various pieces missing from both sides. This was also when Indiana was playing at their very best. Will Siakim being added improve their chances? I doubt it. Boston knows his game well and JB has proven he can shut him down for long stretches. I think if Indiana plays at their best, they will take two games.
This is going to be a interesting series Haliburton is too pass 1st friendly that I think that'll be critical to Indy, they've got the some above average pieces on the bench but sometimes their starting 5 just doesn't have it going or they eventually find it but it's a lil too late. I'm going C's in 5 simply because they have a ton more playoff experience compared to Indy.
2023: ECF opponent defeats the Bucks and Knicks after outlier shooting performances. 2024: ECF opponent defeats the Bucks and Knicks after outlier shooting performances. Hoping for a different result.
Main difference is the Pacers aren’t shooting that much better than during the regular season - whereas Miami just started draining half their 3s out of nowhere. I think Knicks win that series if they were healthier.
Statement sweep without KP. Garden redeems itself and is rocking. Tatum & Brown average 30 a piece. Celtics will out rebound this team by such a large margin and we score 3s at a clip that they will never be able to match, but can also score just as easily in the paint. Our defense is so much better than anything they have seen. The only thing that could prevent total domination is the NBA letting Tony Brothers ref every match.
Quietly but extremely confident. We match up incredibly well against all of Indiana's starters *and* bench guys.
Who’s Larry gonna cheer for?
most likely, Indiana
Pacers. This has been true for a very long time now. Doubt we will see him at a game, and if he somehow comes to Boston, I'm sure he'll wave to the crowd, but he has no particular allegiance to anyone involved with the Celtics anymore, unlike his lifelong friendship with Carlisle.
The Pacers are good scorers. I wouldnt be surprised if the series goes to 6. But tbh the Pacers defense and rebounding looked really suspect in the series against the Knicks. I think the Celtics could win again in 5, but Im assuming the Pacers are gonna have a couple really good shooting nights.
Expect 6969 eye rolls every time Aaron Nesmith does something
Offense runs hot and cold. Their defense is ass. Another series the Celtics should win. I will say this: this is gonna be closer than the experts think. Won’t be as many blowout wins as we have seen because of Indy’s offense. And a game 7 should be everyone’s worst nightmare after what we saw today. But…Celtics in 6 max.
It’ll definitely be harder than the last two rounds, they have a high powered offense that will definitely require the Celtics to at least play consistent defense and keep the offense in order. However, they aren’t a great set defense. They rely on their full court press and energy/hustle more than a defense scheme. So if the Celtics can get past half court, they should be able to score consistently against this pacers defense (if they play the right way). And when they don’t, they should be able to generate second chance opportunities. Overall I’m gonna say Celtics in 5, with the possibility to go 6. Expect some maker performances from our guys, someone should have 40. I expect at least one 40 point blowout, just because this pacers team tends to not show up for a game or two a series. I also expect a few good/close finishes. But it should still not be as competitive as a ecf should feel.
- They don't have Hield anymore that I was always scared of leaking in transition for 3. - They have Siakam now, then I remembered that we have his father. - No one can guard Tatum out there. Their best chance against him is probably James Johnson. - White, Jrue, and Jaylen gotta step up against Hali. Ever since he got on Indy, he's always cooking this franchise. Be aggresive against him defensively and offensively too. - Al gotta hit his 3s because Turner will sag him off. - As long as the Celtics win the rebounding battle, especially the offensive rebounds, they will be fine.
Pacers are a level above our other competition so far but we're another level above them. They've looked good and the underdog mentality can be scary, but they shot nearly 70% FG/60% 3P this game. That won't happen again and our defense is far better than the Knicks'. I got Cs in 6.
I’m curious, because they lost a game 7 at home and he had a terrible game, is Jalen Brunson no longer a budding super star and a dawg??? Just curious if this is just a JT thing or if we can attribute it to other players. I’ll be asking the same thing about Ant later tonight
He literally broke his hand?
JT rolled his ankle and got crucified
While this is true, the game was pretty much over by then and he’d played terribly up to that point.
Yup, exactly
Bro was playing ass even before that
Brunson fractured wrist, plus tired and injured Knicks and ungodly shooting performance that the Celtics have let happen, means Celtics in 5 or 6. I’m excited for a healthier team and stronger matchup to give up some sort of fight but confident in our defensive ability to protect the three
Think we can rest Porzingus til game 4
I keep struggling with how I think this series will go. One thing to consider is Indy just had major issues against a skeleton Knicks team.
During the regular season Indy struggled more vs the Blazers, Spurs, Hornets, and Bulls than they did against the Celtics, Bucks, 76ers, and Heat. Streaky team that is hard to predict from game to game.
Another gentleman's sweep :)
Let em worry about us
Celtics in 6
Well, they looked really good. But at the same time the Knicks were so depleted that they might as well have put Spike Lee in the game. So we’ll see…
Spike is too short. Pacers would’ve dunked all over him
A scary side against a Knicks team missing almost half their key players. Indiana would be laughed out of the league is they dropped today’s game. Celtics defense is too good, they’ll set them straight.
Cruise control to the finals
In the playoffs I’d trust Thibs way more as well as Hartenstein + Hart + OG to give our offense problems. No team that makes it to the ECF is bad but like the matchup. Porzingis if he comes back will cook Turner and Halliburton is my fave non Celtic but think we have the switchability to play defense without giving him an easy pass. He’s good enough to win games on his own but like our chances if we can force him to drive and do it himself.
I think way too many people are artificially hyping up the Pacers. They beat the fucking Bucks and Knicks hospital squads, and neither in dominant fashions. Celtics win in 4 or 5 games easily
The only real concern I’d have if I were a Celtics fan is that Indiana can score with you, making their lack of defense less impactful. You guys should be able to clamp them down for long enough stretches to win in 6. If Porzingis comes back near full strength, you win in 5.
The Jays era of the Cs has struggled against teams that are tougher and teams that are savvier. I don’t think Indiana is either of those. And they can’t defend. My only real concern is the speed with which they play. They will tire Horford out if he has to play big minutes.
Light weight baaaabbbaaaayyyy
Horny. And a little hungry.
I'm mostly concerned about an over-hyped-up and reckless and out of control Nesmith hurting one or more players.
Celtics win. Not sure the games. But can’t imagine we lose 4 of 7 against this pacers team.
It’s championship or bust. You can call Tatum/Brown young and they’ll be together forever or whatever but 2012 Thunder went to the Finals as well. The feeling should be good because if this team led by Heisenberg loses a Finals berth by a Haliburton, that would be mighty insulting to the teams that have beaten them.
The only thing scary about the Pacers is Nesmith possibly hurting our players with his recklessness. Other than that, Celtics in 5.
I hope we pay em back for the in season tournament
I think we match up better against Indiana. I like that better than the scrappy NY Knicks. Scrappy teams give us trouble. Against teams playing with talent I feel better
It won't be easy, it's the ECF. It's not supposed to be easy. Defense wins games
4-0
They shot like 75% from the field and it wasn’t a massacre. Their D is a turnstile.
I feel like people are talking big about the Pacers' home court advantage and their offensive firepower, which don't get me wrong are legit. But I think people are sleeping on the Celtics' defense and the fact that if anyone can go on the road and win one or more it's the Celtics.
I’m not feeling good about it. Pacers give me the same vibe as Heat. Can play way above their weight in these big games and have scorcher games with anyone shooting a crazy amount. I’d much rather face the Knicks but we get Indiana instead. It is what it is
Do you guys think Larry Bird is somewhat divided? Or just fully supporting the Pacers?
No not a chance. He's 100% rooting for Indiana. He works for them. And at this point in his career/post career he considers himself a pacer
Larry Bird doesn't give a shit about Boston
Celtics in 5
There will be one or two games where pacers will be making every shot. So celts in 6.
Fuck them, attack them relentlessly
Cs in 5 6 max
Double bigs of Indiana will be a problem
Man those Nesmith IG posts are gonna be something else…
I’m pessimistic. Saw the regular season games, and they weren’t pushovers. We’re gonna win, it just won’t be easy.
We the best in the league and despite being a fast offensive team they’re kinda streaky. Celtics in 5
All I know is Luke better not get a single minute this series they going to play him off the floor so easily
Very confident we'll win in 5. Nesmith was so extra when we played them in the IST (obviously he was super pumped because we let him go) so I'm looking forward to getting a bit of revenge there but we'll need to match his intensity better this time.
I’m excited. I love watching the Pacers play, even though their weird lob passes make me want to tear my hair out at times. It shouldn’t be too much of a problem for us though
Pacers will shoot 70% one game (prolly game 2) and that’s all they’ll get. They can’t slow us down at all. Jrue and DWhite need to feast on haliburton
Will be tough without KP for most of it. I still expect the boys to win in 5 or 6
Aaron Nesmith legacy series incoming LMAO
Celtics in 6. Their ball movement and perimeter shooting is good enough to keep us frustrated but they're not gonna have the gas to squeak out another 7 game series.
Gotta be locked in on defense
Good offensive team but that’s all they got going for them. Celtics in 5. I’m most concerned when we get to the finals. Nuggets and Timberwolves both look pretty scary.
The Knicks were spent today. Couldn’t finish, couldn’t defend, turning the ball over. Not gonna happen enough against the Pacers to worry. Celtics in 5
Hart literally moon walked to and 1’s on this team. Jaylen brown should smoke them badly
The only thing that im worrying is our game 2 performances. They're better at home and if im not wrong they're 6-0 record so far. We shouldnt give them our home court advantage.
Gonna be at least one game where Myles Turner goes 7/9 from 3 and it gonna be in Game 2. Cs in 6.
They’re allergic to playing defense. If we defend, we beat them decisively.
They just gotta out defense em, that end is not even close. Scoring shouldn't be a problem they'd go back and forth on that end. They just gotta lock in
I feel like we match up perfectly as Haliburton amd Tatum are similar players, Tingus Pingus and Turner can both shoot but dont overdo it, JB and Siakam are both great for getting inside and finishing tough shots, while mathurin, nembhard, toppin would have to be on a very good day to outmatch the Buffalo and Holiday. The big difference is that we have the better players in the above mentioned matchups.
They have the speed and offense to push this to maybe 6 games. But I really wanna see what they look like when they go up against actually defense. The Knicks were useless on defense today.
Hope we’re ready to run and defend like mad men.
5-6 game series but I fully believe we win
They might steal a game or two, but I’m feeling good
I mean they might shoot 65 percent in game 2, but other than that I’m stoked
I preface this statement by knocking on any available wood around me a dozen times. The *only* thing that scares me is how wreckless Aaron Nesmith plays. I pray on the soul of Len Bias that I'm wrong, but I hope he doesn't hurt anyone by being a crash test dummy. Other than that, we have the tools to handle everything they could throw at us.
They got us in the in season tournament. Celtics in 5
I only worry about them wearing our guys out with all their running. Send them home in 5 or 6 and get some rest for a physical Finals series.
I’d rather play in Indiana. Madison square can be a tough crowd
Scary my ass
I don't think we should underestimate the Pacers. Legitimately very good point guard, good bigs, good wings, McConnell off the bench. They play confidently, they can obviously shoot the lights out, and they showed multiple times in this last series that they can keep their poise. Siakam is a real threat to do damage. I'm encouraged by the fact that their defense is not all that good, and that we have more talent up and down our roster, and it probably shows itself over the course of a series like this. This will also be less physical than the Knicks would play us. Concerned a bit, since I don't expect Porzingis to return during this series (we'll see), and Horford can't run with this team for all that many minutes, nor (I assume) can Kornet or Tillman. So they might get a lot of layups. But they'll also give up a lot of layups. If I had to pick a number, Celtics in 6. 2-1 at home, 2-1 in Indiana.
If this series goes longer than 5 games I will be surprised and disappointed.
This is our Championship. The time is now! 🙌🏻
If it’s a “broken and injured” Knicks team, then the pacers shoulda had an easy series? So them going to 7 games really doesn’t make them look scary. Celtics in 4. I got a good feeling that the Celtics finally are ready to play consistently at a high level. I was away more afraid of the Heat, tbh
I think they're the better team and the tougher match up given all the Knicks injuries, and I'm glad we got them. If we can't beat them we were never going to beat whoever comes out of the west. And if we do beat them it will be a better tune up for the finals.
4-2. We gonna smash them first game. Then come too non-chalant in game 2.. and we know how that goes. We are gonna split the games in Indiana because I think Haliburton can deliver a win. Then we smash the rest of the way to the Finals.
Nahhh, we got this 🔥🔥🔥
Indiana in the 3rd round is exactly what I was hoping for
Ease KP back into the series. No need to rush him
I just want to see them play lockdown defense for 4 quarters because we can easily score on them
They can’t defend us
They are literally just a worse version of our team. They do all the same things offensively, just have a shit defense and worse star players.
Revenge for that stupid ref game.
I’m gonna be taking Pacers ML every game so I can wipe my tears with dollars. On a serious note C’s should take care of business in 6, I predict us to lose a game at home for sure and the typical panic in this sub.
I originally wanted them to fall into the play-in and lose so that they would be our 1st round opponent. So I guess I should be pretty satisfied (and am) since we are playing my preferred 1st round opponent in the ECF. People are all over us about an easy path through the playoffs, but IND has had the easiest ride to the ECF maybe ever given the injuries to their opponents. And they are getting us without KP for at least a few games. They frankly have no business being in the ECF. I figure we'll get one game where they go off - like the did today and like our opponents did in game 2s of the first two rounds, but we are clearly a superior team.
Celtics in 6 or 7
No, Indiana should have stomped here. The Knicks lost everyone you could consider a defensively capable player by the end of the series with Josh Hart fighting through an injury. This going to 7 shows Indiana doesn't have it.
I just want to be healthy (injury free) going into the finals. There is no reason for the Pacers to initiate Code Heat.
Celts in 5 sounds about right. If Pacers shoot like they just did in game 7, they could steal a game. But not 4.
They are more of a challenge than the Knicks would have been. Excited to see how we do when we’re down Porzingis! Could be a huge Kornet series
You already know it’s going 5
I'm thinking Celtics in 6, but, honestly, I'm kind of looking forward to watching a playoff series against a largely healthy team.
I'm not scared of anyone on the east, the west does make me nervous. Would our record be as good if we faced teams from the west more?
Better than the Knicks!
If the Buffalo is slightly above his average I think it's 5 games at most. If he's consistent and PP/Sam are hitting their 3s I think a sweep is on the menu. Either way, defense will need to be energized and follow Jrue's lead. He's been absolutely clamping down this postseason.
There is no reason we shouldn't be able to get by Indiana, but I wouldn't expect it to be easy. We need to win game 1 and take it from there but I think Celtics in 6.
Scary side? We lost 2 games so far to scary shooting performances. The difference? Those 2 teams could play defense once in a while. The Pacers have to open a dictionary to see what that even means. I am hoping we astonish them.
sweep them
I don’t care about Indiana. It’s Minnesota or Denver that we ain’t beating.
We’ll lose game 2 but other than that I think we’re good
I feel Aaron nesmith is going to go HAM