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Celtics vs. Pacers Game 2 prediction: NBA player props, picks, best bets

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Social Links for Dylan Svoboda
Published May 23, 2024, 4:15 p.m. ET
The Pacers are a perfect match-up for Jrue Holiday.
The Pacers are a perfect match-up for Jrue Holiday. NBAE via Getty Images

After a high-scoring overtime thriller in the series opener, the Celtics will host the Pacers in Game 2 on Thursday night at TD Garden. 

Jayson Tatum scored a game-high 36 points in that one, but Jrue Holiday was the MVP of the game — on both sides of the ball. 

Holiday scored a season-high 28 points in Game 1, combining his typical stout defense with a rare big-scoring game right when the Celtics needed it. 

The two-time All-Star has taken a step back this season on the offensive end after joining the deep-rostered Celtics.

Holiday scored 20-plus points in just seven regular season games this season, averaging 12.5 in 69 games, and that continued through 10 playoff games, dropping no more than 18 before the Eastern Conference Finals.

But the Pacers are a perfect matchup for the powerful guard. 

Jrue Holiday #4 of the Boston Celtics celebrates during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 21, 2024 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
Jrue Holiday celebrates during the Celtics’ Game 1 win over the Pacers. NBAE via Getty Images

Holiday pushed around the Pacers’ smaller guards while their stronger perimeter defenders were preoccupied with the Celtics’ pair of All-Star wings. 

Aaron Nesmith served as the primary defender on Tatum while Siakam was largely assigned to Jaylen Brown, leaving Holiday to feast against Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell. 

It’s something Holiday has tended to do in recent games against Indiana’s soft frontline. 

During four regular season games against the Pacers, Holiday scored 15 or more points three times, something he did only 21 times all year. 

Betting on the NBA?

In March of last season, Holiday dropped a career-high 51 points against Indiana, which was 11 points more than any other game in his NBA career.

Oddsmakers are expecting a regression from Holiday, pegging his points total at 13.5, which won’t necessarily require him to be a big part of the offense to hit the Over. 

You may have caught Holiday to make the most 3-point field goals at 100/1, pointed out by The Post’s Erich Richter, that one is now down to 25/1 and could drop further if he puts up another strong performance Thursday.

Bet on Holiday to fill it up against his favorite opponent once again.  

The play: Jrue Holiday Over 13.5 points (-115, DraftKings Sportsbook)