Although the Celtics have the best record in the league (78% win rate), the Celtics' midseason season group stage (Group C) has been a bumpy one, as they have a 2-1 record in the previous three games, and must win the Bulls by at least 23 points in the final game, thankfully, they won 124-97, and the Nets defeated the Raptors to make the Celtics the champion of Group C East.
Their opponent in the playoffs is the Pacers, who have a 4-0 record in the group stage but a disappointing record in the league (9-8) and sit seventh in the East.
The Celtics and Pacers will fire the first shot of the first playout round of the inaugural Midseason Championship, and the following three major games will be played in this game:
The Pacers are the most efficient offensive team so far this season, scoring 127 per 100 possessions9 points, the highest in the league, 4 more than the second-highest Eagles6 points, of course, they concede points per 100 rounds (125.).8 points) is also the most in the league, and the defensive efficiency is the third-lowest existence behind the Wizards and Pistons.
Then look at the Celtics, who are averaging 116 points per game7 points, although it is not comparable to the Pacers, but it is also a top 10 team, it is worth mentioning that the lineup has Tatum, Brown, Porzingis three All-Star players, however, Porzingis may miss this matchup (calf strain).
In that matchup a month ago, the Celtics scored 155 points on the head of the Pacers, and, creating a "51"** matchup, even if the Pacers played with all the players, but it was difficult for them to limit the Celtics' offense without defense, so don't be surprised that the Celtics scored 130 + points.
Undoubtedly, one of the most important reasons for the Pacers' best offense in the league this season is Haliburton's supernatural play, the league's new favorite has averaged 27 points per game so far this season, plus 118 assists, and 519% hit rate and 447% three-point shooting (3 per game.)9 three-pointers).
In addition, Haliburton's assist-to-turnover ratio is a whopping 47, 464% of the top spot in the first meeting between the two teams this season, Haliburton was absent, but he has never scored less than 20 points in the previous matchup against the Celtics, and the last time he played against the Celtics, Haliburton scored 33 points, plus eight assists, and won the game.
Haliburton has averaged 34 per game in his last five games6 points, plus 122 assists, during which he averaged 5 per gameSix three-pointers, although the Celtics have only allowed Trae Young to score more than 30 points in non-overtime games so far this season, it is still very difficult to limit Haliburton.
Celtics' Porzingis, if they can't play in this game, then it must be difficult to win this knockout game, of course, even if Porzingis plays, the Pacers with a full lineup will not let this game be like the matchup a month ago, "** even, they want more "revenge".
In the matchup between the Pacers and the Heat, despite losing the game in the end, Haliburton scored 44 points, and Haliburton said after the game: "I don't care how many points I score, I just want to win, I'm tired of being a loser." From the perspective of the lineup, although the Celtics have the strongest starting five tigers in the league, the starting five tigers of the Pacers are also very strong, Haliburton + Matherine + Brown + Toppin + Turner, the key is that the Pacers bench score is temporarily second in the league, while the Celtics bench score is second to last in the league.
Therefore, no matter who of the two teams will emerge victorious, the difference will not exceed 10 points, and there will even be a stunner.