Celtics Aim For Series Lead In Opener

Celtics Favored in Game 1 Against Pacers

Celtics Aim for Series Lead in Opener

Pacers Face Uphill Battle After Game 1 Loss

The Boston Celtics will look to take an early advantage in their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Indiana Pacers when they host Game 1 on Tuesday night. The Celtics enter the matchup as heavy favorites after a dominant Game 1 performance in which they held the Pacers to just 21 three-point attempts while making 49 of their own.

The Pacers, who reached the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2014, face an uphill battle in the series after dropping the opener at home. Indiana will need to find a way to slow down the Celtics' offense, which has been one of the most efficient in the league this season.

The Celtics are led by All-Star forward Jayson Tatum, who is averaging 25.1 points per game in the playoffs. Kemba Walker and Jaylen Brown are also key contributors for Boston, and the team has a deep bench that can provide a spark off the bench.

The Pacers will counter with a young and talented roster led by Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon. Sabonis is averaging 20.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game in the playoffs, while Brogdon is averaging 19.0 points and 5.5 assists per game.

The Celtics are a 7-point favorite in Game 1, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is 221.5 points.