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Writing is on the wall for Pacers with Celtics sitting pretty in ECF
The Boston Celtics are looking like they are going to win the Eastern Conference.
After being fortunate to win Game 1, Boston cruised to a convincing 126-110 victory on Thursday night. With the win, the Celtics now hold a 2-0 series lead as action shifts to Indiana. And while some may argue the Pacers are tough to beat at home, it's clear they don't have enough to actually win the series.
Entering Game 1, there was reason to believe Indiana could at least make it a long series. They play an uptempo style that often appears to be Boston's kryptonite and the Celtics have lost as a heavy favorite in the past.
However, the way the Pacers unraveled down the stretch with 21 total turnovers and completely squandered an opportunity to open the series with a win instantly felt like a bad omen.
No team can afford to blow games in the playoffs, especially not on the road against a deeper opponent. To Indiana's credit, and to the credit of Rick Carlisle, a coach who knows how to lead a team to a championship, the Pacers responded well early on in Game 2.
Indiana actually closed the first quarter with a 27-25 lead. Unfortunately for Pacers fans, the exact reason Boston is the clear favorite became evident as the game progressed.
The Celtics never trailed again from the second quarter on, as three players surpassed 20 points. Jaylen Brown, potentially motivated by an All-NBA snub, led the way with exactly 40 points in 36 minutes. Brown was 14-of-27 from the field and was a +18 in the game. Brown was also far from going at it alone.
Jayson Tatum scored 23 while adding six rebounds and five assists and Derrick White put together another solid playoff performance with 23 as well. Jrue Holiday, who was brought in for his defensive prowess, even added 15 of his own.
When the Celtics are clicking like they were in Game 2, they are almost impossible to beat. Pascal Siakam did score 28, granted 20 of his points came in seven minutes, but was the only Pacer to even reach 20. Tyrese Haliburton flirted with a double-double before leaving the game with a leg injury.
Not only are the Pacers now in an 0-2 series hole, it's tough to see much reason for optimism. Haliburton's status for the rest of the series is up in the air. Carlisle even admitted Haliburton is dealing with a "sore" left hamstring in his postgame news conference.
Despite the result in Game 2, the vibes would be different if the Pacers had the cushion of the Game 1 win under their belt. Instead, Game 3 is an obvious must-win for Indiana. And even though the Pacers haven't lost a game at home yet in the postseason, there's a real possibility they will be without Haliburton, or he will at least be less than 100%.
The way this series is going, Boston may not even need to rush Kristaps Porzingis back and can just worry about getting him ready for the NBA Finals.
More must-reads:
- Celtics dominate Pacers in Game 2, take 2-0 ECF lead
- Watch: Celtics take command of Game 2 with a 20-0 run
- The 'NBA minutes leaders by season' quiz
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Knicks Linked to Pacers Center
The New York Knicks are looking for ways to fill the final roster spot on their team. One option suggested by SNY contributor David Vertsberger is adding Indiana Pacers center Thomas Bryant. "One position the Knicks may want to heavily consider using this spot for is the center spot. Their current rotation is made up of Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti, and if they start the double-big lineup, this essentially leaves them one backup five to start the year," Vertsberger wrote. "They have interesting alternative options at the center like sliding newly-signed Guerschon Yabusele down a position or playing OG Anunoby there, and can always move Robinson back to the bench. However, signing a depth piece at the position like Thomas Bryant gives them more security in case injuries hit." "Fans will remember Bryant from his timely threes against the Knicks in the conference finals. He’s now bounced between five teams in his eight-year NBA career, but can step in in a pinch with some offensive rebounding and rim deterrence." Bryant, 28, averaged 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds in 56 appearances for the Pacers this season. He was acquired early in the season in a trade with the Miami Heat, who added him ahead of the 2023-24 season. Bryant, a Rochester, N.Y. native, began his career as a second-round pick in the 2017 NBA Draft out of Indiana, where he played for two years under head coach Tom Crean. He played his rookie season for the Los Angeles Lakers before he was traded to the Washington Wizards in 2018. Bryant spent four years with Washington from 2018-22 before returning to the Lakers in free agency. He was traded to the Denver Nuggets in 2023, where he helped his team win the NBA Finals. Bryant's postseason experience makes him an intriguing option for the Knicks, even though they don't need a center all that much. Adding him would give the team some flexibility with Mitchell Robinson and Guerschon Yabusele and bring some much-needed championship experience to the roster. If Bryant joins the Knicks, it may not make the biggest impact, but the roster will be slightly improved.
Rasmus Andersson Turns Down Huge Long-Term Offer from an NHL Team
Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson is entering the final year of his six-year, $4.55 million AAV contract, and uncertainty surrounds his future. Speaking with Sweden’s Expressen, Andersson shot down false rumors about where he’s willing to go, and revealed he turned down a lucrative long-term offer from another NHL team. All of this took place roughly six weeks ago, says the blueliner. He cited family reasons as to why he’s being particular about his next move. Still, as picky as he might be, rumors he’s only willing to go to Vegas are not true. “But I have not given Calgary a team, that I only want to play with one team,” he said. “That is not true…” He did get an offer from another team, likely not the Golden Knights. “I wasn’t keen on moving my family there and signing a long-term contract,” Andersson explained, adding that he provided the Flames with a list of teams he’d consider signing with if traded. However, the team that offered him a deal wasn’t on that list. He explained, “I communicated that decision to Calgary. I said if you want to trade me, this is the number of teams I can think of signing for. But this wasn’t one of them.” The Flames and Andersson Aren’t Talking Any Longer Talks with Calgary have since gone silent. Speculation is that he’s not heard about a trade option or extension in over a month. Whether the Flames have stopped looking for now, or teams haven’t lined up with trade offers, it sounds like nothing is imminent. All that said, Andersson is expected to draw significant trade interest before the 2026 deadline if an extension isn’t reached. His situation will be one of Calgary’s most closely watched storylines this season.
A Hidden Prospect Could Open Big Trade Doors for the Oilers
With a stacked blue line and limited roster spots, Edmonton could turn one of its top young, somewhat undiscovered, defensemen into a key bargaining chip when the trade deadline approaches. That prospect is Beau Akey, and he’s looking to make a name for himself this season. The Oilers have a luxury most teams can’t claim — a veteran-heavy, Cup-contending blue line. But that depth also potentially blocks the path for Akey, who is one of their most intriguing young defense prospects. Akey is coming off a strong bounce-back season in junior after double shoulder surgery. A full season of good health could do wonders for his reputation as someone who has a bright future. Last year with the OHL’s Barrie Colts, he posted 32 points in 52 games, added five assists in the playoffs, and wore a leadership role. Known for his elite skating and crisp passing, he’s now set to make the leap to pro hockey in Bakersfield (AHL). “I’m 100 percent now,” Akey said during camp. “I’m looking to make the step to professional hockey (this season), so I’m looking to show the Oilers that at training camp. I want to give my all to try and make the Oilers and try to prove to them I can make an NHL roster.” Oilers development staff already love his mobility and offensive instincts, but they want him to sharpen the defensive side of his game. In the meantime, he’s a premium asset waiting in the wings — a 20-year-old right-shot defenseman with top-four potential. The Oilers know he can be a future impact player for them. That means he can also be an impact player for someone else. Edmonton won’t be looking to move the youngster. That said, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if he pops up on radars around the league. Oilers senior director of player development Kalle Larsson said, “A healthy Beau Akey is an elite skater, he can break the puck out well and he has offense.” He added, “I think in pro, he’ll be a two-way defenseman that will need to be more reliable defensively.” Akey Will Be a Trade Piece that Other Teams Look At For a team chasing a Stanley Cup, players like this are gold. They can grow into future cornerstones or become the centerpiece of a trade for immediate help. If Edmonton needs a deadline boost — be it a depth scorer, penalty-kill specialist, or injury insurance — Akey could headline a package that draws serious interest from rebuilding teams or clubs on a timeline where they’ll be contenders in two or three seasons. The Oilers will decide later whether to keep him for the long haul or flip him for a win-now piece. Either way, they’re holding a hidden card that could make all the difference come spring.
3 Steelers Rookies Who Impressed During The Exciting Preseason Opener Vs Jaguars
The Pittsburgh Steelers opened their 2025 preseason with a nail-biting win against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday night. Rookie undrafted free agent Daryl Porter made the game-winning tackle inbounds in the final seconds, keeping the clock running and securing the 31-25 win. Porter was one of many rookies to make their debut on Saturday, in a game where 16 starters sat out both due to injury and veteran rest. Some, like defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, are expected to start right away, while others are fighting for a roster spot -- with many making a convincing case. One of these players was wide receiver Ke'Shawn Williams, who is on the outside looking in at a 53-man roster spot currently. While the receiver room in Pittsburgh is crowded, and the Steelers are unlikely to keep more than six wideouts, there have been questions about whether a young guy could steal the final spot from a veteran like Robert Woods. The speedy 5'9" receiver from Indiana made quite a case on Saturday, hauling in 2 catches for 55 yards and the game-winning TD from quarterback Skylar Thompson. If Williams wants to stick around and at least compete for a practice squad spot, it's important that he's able to prove that he's more than just a speedster, and grabbing jump balls from the hands of a defender is a good start. Williams wasn't the only offensive weapon who impressed. Rookie running back Max Hurleman also made his case for a roster spot on Saturday night. Thompson's connection with Hurleman shined in the two-minute drill to end the half, connecting on a pair of consecutive passes, one being a touchdown. While Hurleman's official position might be listed as running back, the Steelers view him as more than that. Hurleman has lined up out wide, as well as in the backfield, making him much more of a Swiss Army knife than a traditional runner. If he wants to stick around, Hurleman's versatility will be why he does so, and he will have to hope that he can usurp someone like Connor Heyward, who is a similar weapon in the passing game. Steelers' 2025 First-Round Pick Gets His First Start While guys like Hurleman and Williams fight for a roster spot, the rookie Harmon has his locked up. In fact, the Steelers have the utmost faith in the rookie, with Defensive Line Coach Karl Dunbar stating that he will be starting Week 1. "You can write that," Dunbar said earlier this summer. "He’s our starting left defensive end." Starting rookies immediately is not something that Pittsburgh typically does, and it shows that they see enough in Harmon to put him in right away. While the box score didn't pop for him on Saturday night, there was still plenty to like. Harmon was able to get in the backfield on multiple plays and create pressure -- something the Steelers have been looking for after moving on from Larry Ogunjobi earlier in the offseason. Harmon is going to add a vital piece to both the pass and run defense for Pittsburgh in 2025. The team is hoping to bounce back after a disappointing playoff performance in January that led to Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry rushing for nearly 200 yards and 2 touchdowns. Coming out of Oregon, Harmon was lauded for his ability to both stop the run and create pressure on quarterbacks, leading the FBS with 55 total pressures. Whether it be their first-round pick, or guys fighting on the bubble, there's no doubt that the rookies were a highlight of the team's preseason performance on Saturday. Whether they can stick around will be decided when the roster cutdown deadline passes on August 27th. Until then, they will be looking toward their next opportunity, when the Steelers take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 16th at 7 PM ET. Which rookie's performance were you most impressed by?
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