That Game 1 between Boston and Indiana was incredible, but it feels like it’s all downhill for the Pacers from here. They were in command of that game before two costly turnovers in the final 30 seconds of regulation, completing their choke job in overtime. It will be tough for this team to bounce back after a defeat like that, especially against the best team in basketball. We’re hoping they stay competitive in this Game 2, so let’s go ahead and talk about it! Here are our top NBA DFS picks for Thursday’s playoff game between the Pacers and Celtics.

View the best player prop bets for tonight’s slate with our NBA Prop Bet Cheat Sheet.

NBA DFS Picks: DraftKings & FanDuel Primer

Schedule and Odds

• IND at BOS (BOS -9.5) O/U: 224.5

Check out our consensus game odds and the odds from each sportsbook at BettingPros.

Injury Report

• Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder) OUT
• Kristaps Porzingis (leg) OUT

NBA DFS Picks: Core Plays

Jayson Tatum (SF/PF – BOS): $11,600 DraftKings, $16,500 FanDuel
What’s funny about Tatum is that it never really feels like he’s going off, but he usually is. The perennial All-Star has scored at least 39 DraftKings points in all but two games over the last three months and has been even better recently. He’s scored at least 61 DraftKings points in four straight games, posting a 63-point average in that span. That’s the floor you’re looking at from a core play, and it should have him locked into every showdown lineup out there! We didn’t even mention that JT has at least 53 fantasy points in all five matchups with the Pacers!

Tyrese Haliburton (PG – IND): $9,600 DraftKings, $14,500 FanDuel
Hali did everything he could to get Indiana a Game 1 win, but they fell short. The All-Star had 55 DraftKings points in that gem, marking his third game with at least 55 DK points in the last two weeks. That’s the stud we saw earlier in the season, with Haliburton averaging over 50 fantasy points per game before a hammy strain. The pace and role of the Pacers should guarantee him 50 DK points in this must-win Game 2.

NBA DFS Picks: Cash Game Considerations

Jrue Holiday (PG/SG – BOS): $7,400 DraftKings, $11,500 FanDuel
Holiday was my captain in my showdown lineups on Tuesday, and we’re going right back to the well. He had 28 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and three steals in that masterclass en route to 55 DraftKings points. That’s the third time Holiday has at least 39 DK points in his last four fixtures, which directly correlates with the Porzingis injury. We also saw this guy average 40 DK points per game for months at a time in the past, and he needs a price bump as the Celtics veteran presence in the Finals run. Not to mention, Holiday is averaging 36 DK points per game in six meetings with Indiana’s 28th-ranked defense.

NBA DFS Picks: GPP Targets

Myles Turner (C – IND): $8,000 DraftKings, $12,500 FanDuel
Turner is a volatile player, but he showed us why he’s a great GPP option in Game 1. He was a piece of the optimal lineup, dropping 47 DraftKings points in that game. The defensive stud scored at least 33 fantasy points in six of his last seven outings and finally saw 39 minutes in that Game 1 defeat. The Pacers always keep him close to 30 minutes for some reason, but Turner needs a price bump if he’s going to be unleashed for 40 minutes in this series!

TJ McConnell (PG – IND): $5,600 DraftKings, $9,000 FanDuel
McConnell has been one of Indiana’s best players in this surprise run. The bench guard has scored at least 24 DK points in seven of his last nine outings, generating a 32-point average in that span. He’s also flirted with a 50-point upside in that span despite never playing more than 25 minutes in all of those. This guy could be the GPP play of the day if he plays 25-30 minutes, especially with how cheap he is!

Value Plays

Derrick White (PG/SG – BOS): $8,200 DraftKings, $12,000 FanDuel
White isn’t the best player on this team, but he might be the most valuable with the defense and hustle he provides. The versatile guard has scored at least 37 DraftKings points in five of his last eight outings, averaging 34 DK points per game in that span. It’s rare to see that type of upside from such an affordable player, but it should continue since the Pacers play at the fastest pace in the NBA. White is averaging 33 fantasy points per game in their six matchups this season!

Al Horford (PF/C – BOS): $6,600 DraftKings, $10,500 FanDuel
Big Al has been starting for Porzingis, and we can’t fade him in this expanded role. Big Al is averaging nearly 30 DK points per game as a starter this season and has that average above 30 fantasy points whenever KP is out. That’s the stud we saw in the past, with Horford scoring 90 combined DraftKings points over the last two games! He should be locked into 35-40 minutes as Boston’s only true big man left, and he’s one of the safest options out there if you pair that with his dirt-cheap salary.

Advantageous Pricing

• Jrue Holiday (PG/SG – BOS): $7,400 DraftKings, $11,500 FanDuel
• It’s amazing how the prices are even on the two different sites. There aren’t many values on either!

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