The Indiana Pacers have an opportunity to even the score against the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics just 48 hours after their recent clash.
Follow Us
The Indiana Pacers have an opportunity to even the score against the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics just 48 hours after their recent clash. This Monday, the Pacers (20-15) will welcome the Celtics (28-7) for the second time in three days at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. In the previous matchup on Saturday night in the Circle City, the Celtics secured a 118-101 victory, taking a 2-1 lead in the season series.
The defeat on Saturday was a significant setback for the Pacers, marking their first loss in 2024 and putting an end to their impressive six-game winning streak in the distinctive Blue & Gold. It also brought their record to 1-5 in the second legs of back-to-back games this season.
In the realm of team performance, the Boston Celtics have consistently stood out during the 2023-24 season. They boast the second-best offensive rating in the league at 120.8, closely trailing the Pacers who lead with a rating of 123.1. Defensively, the Celtics also shine with the second-best rating of 110.2, contributing to an NBA-best net rating of 10.6.
As for the Pacers: Bruce Brown – questionable (right knee bone bruise), Isaiah Jackson – questionable (right fifth finger hairline fracture), Andrew Nembhard – questionable (mid-back sprain)
As for Celtics: Sam Hauser – questionable (right shoulder impingement), Kristaps Porzingis – questionable (right eye irritation), Jayson Tatum – questionable (left ankle sprain management), Jordan Walsh – out (G League assignment)
Pacers: G – Tyrese Haliburton, G – Buddy Hield, F – Aaron Nesmith, F – Jalen Smith, C – Myles Turner.
Celtics: G – Jrue Holiday, G – Derrick White, F – Jaylen Brown, F – Jayson Tatum, C – Kristaps Porzingis
In their recent encounter, the Pacers managed to narrow down a double-digit first-half deficit to just a single point in the third quarter. However, a decisive fourth-quarter surge by the Celtics ultimately propelled the visitors to a 118-101 victory at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Boston’s forward Jayson Tatum played a pivotal role in a 16-4 run at the beginning of the final quarter, and the Pacers struggled to mount a comeback from that point onward. Tatum concluded the game with an impressive performance, scoring a game-high 39 points on 14-of-23 shooting, including a season-high eight 3-pointers. His stellar performance was complemented by fellow All-Star Jaylen Brown, who contributed 31 points on 13-of-23 shooting, adding to the Celtics’ formidable offensive display.
Indiana boasts an 11-8 record at Gainbridge Fieldhouse this season, and the enthusiasm from fans is evident with all three home games last week being sellouts.
Get the latest from Sportslumo.com by following us on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
