Thursday night sets the stage for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals as the Boston Celtics gear up to host the Indiana Pacers on their home court in Massachusetts.
However, the Celtics may encounter a setback as one of their key players, Xavier Tillman Sr, faces potential absence from the game due to unspecified personal reasons. Tillman, acquired by the Celtics from the Memphis Grizzlies during the regular season, is currently marked as questionable for the upcoming match.
During the regular season, Tillman showcased his talents, averaging 5.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. He maintained shooting percentages of 43.4% from the field and 24.7% from beyond the arc across 54 games.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Tillman’s availability, the Celtics stand firm as the top seed in the Eastern Conference, boasting an impressive record of 64 wins and 18 losses. Their path to the Eastern Conference Finals saw them triumph over formidable opponents, including the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers, in the initial playoff rounds. Currently, the Celtics hold a 1-0 lead over the Pacers following their victory in Game 1, clinched in overtime with a final score of 133-128.
Jayson Tatum emerged as a standout performer in Game 1, leading the charge with 36 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Tatum’s contributions proved pivotal, as he shot 12/26 from the field and 2/8 from beyond the arc during his 46 minutes on the court.
The winner of this series will progress to the NBA Finals, where they will contend against either the Dallas Mavericks or the Minnesota Timber wolves. Despite the Celtics’ impressive track record of reaching the Conference Finals six times in the last eight seasons, their quest for a championship title has remained unfulfilled since 2008.
