We are already nearing the end of the NBA Playoffs, as only four teams are standing right now. Throughout the rest of the postseason, Jonathan Von Tobel will continue to provide you with his exceptional coverage of the greatest league in the world. Just click here for all of his content. However, all of my picks will be featured in this daily column, which will combine my NBA best bets and NBA player props. So, keep reading to find out how I’m playing the Eastern Conference Finals game on Monday, May 27th. Also, check out our NBA Playoffs Betting Hub for all of our series previews and additional postseason content.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on May 27
NBA Best Bets Today – May 27
Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers – 8:00 pm ET
I had the Pacers to cover a 7-point spread in Game 3, so I’m not going away from it at a slightly bigger number in Game 4. I’m a little nervous about the possibility of Indiana folding, as this series has definitely been draining mentally. After all, the Pacers should probably be up 2-1 right now. But Indiana has played Boston close all series long, and I don’t think that Game 3 was some fluke performance. Sure, Andrew Nembhard might not have 32 points and nine assists on 12 for 21 shooting again, but I do believe he’s a starting-caliber point guard in the NBA. So, he should play another good game for the Pacers. And if Nembhard does drop off a little, I believe that Pascal Siakam is capable of picking up the slack. He was 9 for 18 in Game 3 and should get a lot more opportunities to score in Game 4. On top of that, I’m also expecting to see more than four points combined out of Aaron Nesmith and Ben Sheppard, who have both played great basketball throughout these playoffs.
The reality is that Indiana is still going to have the ability to pick Boston apart in the pick-and-roll game. The Pacers just can’t have long stretches in which they play sloppy basketball. This Celtics team is too good defensively. They will make opponents pay for mistakes like no other team in the league.
Overall, I don’t see Indiana going up 18 again here. This should be a little closer throughout. But I have maintained all series long that the Pacers can play with the Celtics. I don’t see that changing with Indiana’s season on the line. Also, for as good as this Celtics team is, it’d be a little surprising if they were to sweep a team like the Pacers. Boston hasn’t exactly gone about its business in a straightforward way in the Jayson Tatum era. Of course, one could argue that close games in Games 1 and 3 were the Celtics’ throwaway performances. But I just can’t see Boston actually sweeping Indiana, which is why I’m going big on the spread and also playing the moneyline.
Bet: Pacers +7.5 (-110 – 2 units) & Pacers ML (+240)
NBA Player Props Today – May 27
Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers – 8:00 pm ET
As previously mentioned, I think we’re going to see some more out of Siakam with the season on the line. Last game, Nembhard and TJ McConnell combined for 55 points for the Pacers. And while I do think those two are capable of playing well again, I don’t see them reaching that number. That said, I think Indiana is going to need to rely on its best player in this spot. And it’s not like we haven’t seen Siakam reach the 24-point mark in this series. He did it in both of the games played in Boston and he’s averaging 24.7 points per game in the series. The Celtics just haven’t had a great answer for Siakam’s combination of size and mobility. He has been finding success against some of the better wing defenders that this league has to offer in Tatum and Jaylen Brown. And I just don’t see him backing down in what might be his final game of the season.
Bet: Siakam Over 23.5 Points (-120)
2023-24 Record: 381-414-3 (+10.36 units)
