Stephen Nover's NBA Thursday Big Ticket
(NBA) Indiana vs. Boston,
Total: 224.50 | -104.00 Under
Result: Loss
The Pacers nearly upset the Celtics blowing a late lead in a 133-128 overtime loss in Game 1 two days ago. The Celtics weren't fully prepared for the Pacers' fast-paced offense. Indiana also happened to shoot 53.5 percent from the floor.

I expect a much better defensive focus from the Celtics in this Game 2 home matchup. Boston gave up the fifth-fewest points during the regular season, while also ranking No. 2 in defensive field goal percentage and fourth in 3-point defense.

The Celtics held the Cavaliers and Heat to an average of 94.3 points a game in their previous nine games, not including a 118-94 loss to Cleveland in Game 2 of that series.

The Pacers' defense has picked up. If you exclude a 121-91 loss to the Knicks in Game 5 of their series, the Pacers are giving up an average of 104.8 points during their last five games.