It's here. Weeks of heartbreaking nailbiting series have led to this. The Pacers, after shocking the world and coming back from a 3-2 defecit to top the Knicks in Game 7, are ready for their biggest challenge yet. The Celtics, after beating the Cavs in 5 games in the second round, have been waiting for days to find out who they will face in the ECF, to get back to where they were 2 short years ago. In this article, we will break down the matchup, talk about each team's X factor layers, and make predictions for who will win in how many games.
Eastern conference finals: (1) celtics vs. (6) Pacers
On paper it's the Celtics easily. But they will be without Star Center Kristaps Porzingis for at leat the first game and likely more of this series, as they have been in the first 2 rounds. Another important thing to note is that, even with injuries factored in, the Pacers have been expected to lose in their first two matchups, so another upset is not out of the question. However, if Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are able to step up in the way we have seen so far this playoffs, it's going to be a rough road for Indiana. If they are able to get out to a 2-0 lead, I doubt we see Kristaps Porzingis playing in Indiana (at least for games 3 and 4). Giving Porzingis extra rest ahead of a possible finals berth will be huge for this squad's success, but you can only give him that time if fully confident you can win without him.
Tyrese Haliburton and Paskal Siakam will need to bring their A game, no different from rounds 1 and 2. That's not all though, production from supporting pieces will be key. Myles Turner, especially in the absence of Porzingis, will need to play strong and reel in boards, while Andrew Nembhard will need to provide strong shooting from the wing. It's improbable, but we've seen them beat the odds before -- quite recently, actually -- so nothing is out of the question at this point.
X Factor Player: Derrick white (bos) and TJ McConnell (IND)
Prediction: Celtics in 5. Yeah, I'll stick with the majority here. I believe it's entirely possible for them to win, but I just don't see it as probable. The Celtics have too much firepower and are too good all around to be beaten by a team that has squeaked by the first two rounds. My one worry for Boston heading into the finals, though, is whether their lack of quality playoff opponents will hurt them with whoever they face coming out of the West, a much more hotly contested conference top to bottom.
Eli Knight
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