Preview of the Pacers vs. Celtics game
Overview
The Pacers (20-14) are set to face
off against the Boston Celtics (27-7) in a highly anticipated clash at
Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday night. In a season marked by ups and downs,
both teams look to assert their dominance in the Eastern Conference.
Head-to-Head History
Indiana holds a 1-1 record against
Boston this season. The Celtics secured a resounding 155-104 victory on
November 1, but the Pacers avenged their loss with a thrilling 122-112 triumph
in the Quarterfinals of the In-Season Tournament on December 4.
Current Form
Boasting an impressive six-game
win streak, the Pacers appear to be hitting their stride, with a
franchise-record 50 assists in their recent 150-116 blowout against Atlanta.
All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton led the charge with 18 assists in just
25 minutes of play.
Meanwhile, the Celtics, holding
the NBA's best record, are well-rested after a convincing 126-97 win over Utah.
All-Star forward Jayson Tatum's stellar performance, contributing 30 points,
nine rebounds, and five assists, underscores Boston's formidable lineup.
Key Players
Boston's starting lineup,
featuring three All-Stars from the previous season—Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and
Jrue Holiday—alongside Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White, presents a
formidable challenge for the Pacers.
Matchup Details
The upcoming clash promises
intense competition, with both teams seeking to gain an edge before their
rematch on Monday night. The Pacers will then conclude a five-game homestand
before embarking on a challenging six-game road trip.
Projected Starters
Pacers:
- G - Tyrese
Haliburton
- G - Bruce
Brown
- 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
Injury Report
Pacers:
- Andrew
Nembhard - questionable (mid-back sprain)
- Aaron
Nesmith - questionable (left ankle sprain)
Celtics:
- Jordan Walsh
- out (G League assignment)
LastMeeting
In their last encounter on
December 4, 2023, Tyrese Haliburton's heroic performance led the Pacers to a
122-112 victory. Haliburton's game-winning shot, met with "M-V-P"
chants, secured Indiana's place in the In-Season Tournament Semifinals.
Noteworthy Stats
- The Pacers'
six-game win streak is their longest since 2019.
- Indiana
struggles on the second night of back-to-back games, holding a 1-4 record
this season.
- Pacers guard
Buddy Hield joins the elite club of players with 1,800 career 3-pointers.
Milestones to Watch
- Myles Turner
is closing in on Jermaine O'Neal's franchise record of 1,245 blocks,
needing six more to reach 1,200.
- TV: Bally
Sports Indiana - Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst),
Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host)
- Radio:
93.5/107.5 The Fan - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Eddie Gill (analyst), Pat
Boylan (sideline reporter/host)
Tickets
Join the excitement at Gainbridge
Fieldhouse on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 7:00 PM ET. Find Tickets here.
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Q&A Section
Q1: What makes this matchup crucial for both the Pacers and Celtics?
A1: This game holds significant
importance as both teams aim to establish supremacy in the Eastern Conference
and build momentum for the upcoming games.
Q2: How has Tyrese Haliburton been instrumental in the Pacers' recent success?
A2: Tyrese Haliburton's exceptional
performance, especially his 18 assists in the recent win against Atlanta, has
played a pivotal role in the Pacers' six-game win streak.
Q3: What milestones are the Pacers players approaching in this game?
A3: Pacers guard Buddy Hield
recently joined the 1,800 career 3-pointers club, while Myles Turner is closing
in on Jermaine O'Neal's franchise record for career blocks.
Exciting game preview as the Pacers take on
the Celtics. Get insights into the matchup, player performances, and milestones
to watch. Join the action at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday at 7:00 PM ET.
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