Saturday, May 25 – The best sports betting tips and predictions

Things have definitely taken a bad turn for the Indiana Pacers – and on the weekend of the Indy 500, of all days. Tyrese Haliburton’s condition could indicate a serious engine problem.

If you're from a particular North American continent – or have an affinity for its hockey teams – you'll want to tune in to watch the second NHL Western Conference final on Saturday, when the Dallas Stars host the Edmonton Oilers.

It's also Memorial Day weekend, so you know we're going to hit the ground running in Indy.

Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers

This should be a celebration for the superior Pacers, who had a surprising regular season in which they easily surpassed their previous season's win total, eliminated two Eastern Conference opponents and fought Boston into overtime in the first game of this conference final.

We don't want to overstate the impact of any one player on a game, but the Pacers are +59 in the postseason when Haliburton is on the court. When he's off the court, they're -35.

There was some moderately good news on Saturday when Haliburton was listed as a “GTD” (game-time decision) on the NBA’s midday injury report.

Either way, the defense will suffer. If defensively weak Haliburton can't play, defensively weak TJ McConnell will play more minutes and the Celtics will score the points.

For Boston, Jrue Holiday was at his best in Games 1 and 2, but may have caught something else now. He is also a GTD for Game 3 on Saturday due to “illness.”

The versatile Holiday has made 16 of 23 field goals in this series and is averaging 21.5 points per game.

But the Celtics smell blood in the water – and perhaps Jayson Tatum no longer believes in his ability from 3-point range. In the playoffs, he sank 21 of 79 shots (26.6 percent).

Tatum is still the dominant player in this series, averaging 26.8 points, 10.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game. And to add to Indiana's woes, Jaylen Brown is probably still upset that he wasn't selected to any of the All-NBA teams.

Brown's 40 points in Game 2 reflected the fresh wound of that snub. He's unlikely to forgive it anytime soon.

Keep an eye on Haliburton and watch to see how Myles Turner recovers from his rough performance in Game 2.

Celtics team total OVER 113.5 at -135 (DraftKings)

Myles Turner Matchup at 140 (DraftKings): 15+ points and 5+ rebounds.

Edmonton Oilers at Dallas Stars

Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner held up well in the first game of the Western Conference finals series in Dallas and the Stars managed 33 shots on goal.

Edmonton and its elite attackers were even better, shooting Dallas' Jake Oettinger 38 times and walking away with a 3-2 overtime win.

The Stars will look to rebound at home with a tighter defensive strategy, but the Oilers will likely keep up their pressure.

Oettinger has to get better.

Three-point combination bet in the same game at -110 (DraftKings): Dallas OVER 1.5 goals, Oilers OVER 1.5 goals and Oilers +1.5 at the puck line.

Indianapolis 500 (Sunday)

With all the excitement surrounding NASCAR star Kyle Larson entering the field, some drivers are taking a back seat.

We support the rider with the best name in the field – but also because he will end up on the road to victory in Inday.

It is Will Power, who last won in 2018 and has the second fastest qualifying time for Sunday's race.

The 43-year-old is supported by a strong Team Penske and will put in an impressive performance throughout the day.

Will Power lands in the top five at -130 (DraftKings).