Pacers travel to Boston to take on the Celtics
After mixed results in the last couple of games, the Indiana Pacers will attempt to start another winning streak when they travel to Boston to face the C’s.
WHO: Indiana Pacers (4-4) v. Boston Celtics (3-3)
WHEN: Tonight, 7:30 pm ET / 6:30 pm CT
WHERE: TD Garden (Boston, MA)
TV: Fox Sports Indiana
RADIO: 1070 the Fan
STREAM: Fox Sports Go and on the FSGO app
The Pacers
Injury Report: Rodney Stuckey (questionable – ankle)
One week ago today, the Indiana Pacers were knocking off the Boston Celtics at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in a 100-98 thriller featuring 26 points from Paul George. Since then, the Pacers have gotten to .500, fell below it, and now returned again after Monday’s win over the Orlando Magic.
Now the Pacers have the opportunity to go above an even record for the first time this season, and hope that PG13 will be leading the way again. He had 26 points and 10 boards last Wednesday against the C’s, and with a favorable matchup on the offensive end his scoring ability could be showcased again if he gets hot early. George set a career-high for points in a quarter with 19 against Orlando on Monday.
The Celtics
Injury report: Marcus Smart (out)
Isaiah Thomas leads the Celtics in scoring with 22 points per game, and he had 27 points last Wednesday on 9-19 shooting including 4-7 from downtown. The Celtics are guard dominated offensively with Thomas and Avery Bradley responsible for the bulk of the points and had combined for 50% of the 98 points put up against the Pacers.
Boston is in the bottom five in terms of shooting percentage, but that sixth team from the bottom is Indiana. That said if either team can hot early it would be vital for the rest of the game.
Other than Bradley and Thomas, Jae Crowder and David Lee lead the line and Lee coming off the bench. Jared Sullinger is a solid C’s player as well and is close to averaging a double-double, impacted further by the 21 points and 8 rebounds he had against Washington on November 6. The Pacers will have to be on watch on all fronts.
Next: Boilermakers open the season against NC A&T
Tonight is a battle between two teams fighting for a playoff spot. Early on, Boston looked like a majority pick for one of the last three playoff spots, but now it looks like either of these teams could end up at the 7- or 8-seed by April. Of course, winning tonight is the first step. Tipoff set for 7:30 pm in Boston.