JUST IN: The top 10 players for the Celtics vs. Pacers 2024 Eastern Conference Finals, including Tyrese Haliburton…

The first-seeded Boston Celtics and sixth-seeded Indiana Pacers will square off in the 2024 Eastern Conference finals in an explosive offensive matchup. With Game 1 starting on Tuesday in Boston, the Pacers will have limited time to get ready after defeating the New York Knicks 130-109 in Game 7 of their Round 2 playoff series on Sunday.

Under the direction of superstar forward Jayson Tatum, Boston’s veteran-laden team will attempt to reach its second NBA Finals trip in three years. Indiana, led by standout point guard Tyrese Haliburton, will try to carry on its surprising postseason success in the meantime. The team would be in the Finals for the first time since 2000.

The Celtics begin the series as overwhelming favorites (-1500 odds on FanDuel) due of their superior star power and experience. But the Pacers should have a shot because of their offensive firepower and depth.

That being said, these are the top 10 players from Boston and Indiana going into their East Finals matchup.

Even though he’s occasionally had defensive difficulties, sophomore guard Andrew Nembhard has excelled in his first postseason campaign. He’s shooting a ridiculously efficient 57.0% and 48.7% from deep through 13 games, giving Indiana reliable playmaking and complementing scoring.

In the postseason, Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith hasn’t been able to consistently make his outside shots. Nevertheless, on an Indiana team that frequently struggles to make stops, he is one of the most consistent, dynamic defenders. The former Celtic will face Boston’s talented wing tandem in the East finals, so he will have his defensive job cut out for him.

This is Jrue Holiday’s first season in Boston, and his offensive output has decreased. Nevertheless, the 33-year-old point guard is still a smart, experienced player who can make outside shots and a fierce perimeter defender.

In the postseason this year, Pacers big Myles Turner has demonstrated his two-way impact by guarding the rim and serving as Indiana’s third best scoring option. He may be in for a thrilling series against a frontcourt-starved Celtics club.

Derrick White, a shooting guard with the Celtics, has shot incredibly well in the postseason, going 48.5/43.5/88.2 through ten games. He has further cemented his status as one of the best peripheral players in the game by becoming one of Boston’s most influential defenders.

Big man Kristaps Porzingis of the Celtics has been out since the middle of Game 4 of Boston’s first-round series against the Miami Heat because of a right calf injury. As per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the former All-Star is anticipated to miss the first two games against Indiana. He may, however, make a comeback in the East finals.

Throughout the season, Porzingis has been Boston’s best interior defender and third-leading scorer. Thus, the series may be significantly impacted by his possible comeback.

In his first playoffs with Indiana, star forward Pascal Siakam is still demonstrating his seasoned presence. The 2019 NBA champion leads the Pacers in scoring through 13 games (21.1 points per game), delivering consistent all-around performance.

Even if he isn’t a game-changing superstar, Siakam is continuing to demonstrate his ability to be a vital two-way player for a contender.

The top winger for the Celtics, Jaylen Brown, is not as well-known as his co-star Jayson Tatum, but he is still one of the most dependable No. 2 scoring alternatives in the game. In his ten postseason games, he is shooting a scorching 55.4%, stepping in for Tatum when needed.