Pacers potential playoff opponents preview: Boston Celtics

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 09: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers drives to the basket against Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on February 9, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 09: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers drives to the basket against Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on February 9, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 9
Next
Kyrie Irving Celtics Pacers
BOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 9: Kyrie Irving /

Series Prediction

Beating a dead horse, but Kyrie Irving’s injury makes this series impossible to truly predict. If he doesn’t play, the Pacers could win this series in five games or so, and win most of those games with ease.

But if he does play, this matchup would be a challenge. The Celtics wouldn’t just get an all-star back, they would get back a player who’s play style caters perfectly to the postseason play style. It really all hinges on Irving.

Next: Pacers potential playoff opponents preview: Miami Heat

Let’s hedge our bets again and say he plays half of the series. That would likely be enough for the Celtics to get three wins, especially since they would have home-court advantage. The difference between Stevens and McMillan is large enough to grant the Celtics another win. Boston has the stars, and the coach, and the (hypothetical) home-court advantage.

Celtics in seven*

*if Kyrie plays