Will Celtics-Pacers hit the over again? | Cavaliers fire J.B. Bickerstaff

Greetings, gamblers.

When it comes to the current playoffs, road teams are having a moment. Over the last few days, the Mavericks, Pacers, Timberwolves and Oilers all won Game 7s as the away squad, and the other three NHL winners last round all advanced as visitors. And in this week's conference finals openers, the Mavs and Panthers stole home-court/ice advantage, and the Pacers nearly did, which brings us to tonight's Game 2 in Boston. As we told you Tuesday, if you like offense -- and even if you don't -- you need to know the Celtics and Pacers can fill it up. (Similarly, those high-octane Oilers open their series against the Stars in Dallas tonight.) Consider this a sneak preview for the type of expert analysis and insight you will receive as a SportsLine subscriber.

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All times Eastern |Game odds via SportsLineconsensus

CAVALIERS FIRE HEAD COACH J.B. BICKERSTAFF

The Cleveland Cavaliers are making a change on the bench. The Cavs have fired head coach J.B. Bickerstaff after five seasons. Bickerstaff led Cleveland to a 170-159 regular-season record and qualified for the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, but the team was eliminated by the Boston Celtics in the second round last week. CBS Sports NBA writer Sam Quinn details some factors that contributed to the Cavaliers parting ways with Bickerstaff.

• Quinn: "In a report released after Cleveland's season-ending loss to the Boston Celtics, The Athletic's Shams Charania, Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd detailed several incidents that hinted at Bickerstaff's hot seat. After a December game against the Houston Rockets, Altman reportedly criticized Bickerstaff in front of his entire staff for playing star guard Donovan Mitchell too many minutes. Players were also reportedly frustrated with the offense and the lack of structure in practices and shootarounds."

Game 2: Pacers at Celtics, 8 p.m. | TV: ESPN

• The Pick: Over 224.5 (-110)
• Key trend: The over is 6-3 in the Pacers' last nine playoff games.

SportsLine expert Bruce Marshall is 13-5 in his last 18 over/under picks involving the Pacers.

• Marshall: "More than a few insiders are suggesting Boston might want to dial back the pace a bit in Game 2. However, the Celtics can push the pace just as well, and the Pacers has problematic matchups against Jayson Tatum (36 points), Jrue Holiday (28 points), and Jaylen Brown (26 points) in the series opener. This matchup is simply too high-voltage to end with a lower final score as now five of their six meetings this season have landed at 234 points or higher."

Here's what else SportsLine is saying about the game:The Projection Model has a "B" pick on the total, while having "C" picks on the spread and moneyline.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

Blue Jays at Tigers, 6:40 p.m. | TV: MLB Network

• The Projection: Tigers +1.5 (-181)| Grade: B -- Moderate

SportsLine's Projection Model has a "B" grade on the spread with "C" grades for the moneyline and total for the contest. The Blue Jays have lost four of their last six games outright, so we'll back the Tigers to keep this game close.

SportsLine expert picks: Our staff has combed through the Thursday night MLB slate and offered their best plays as the season continues.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

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