Celtics at Pacers Preview: Boston Brings Momentum, Indiana Searches for Answers
The Boston Celtics didn’t suit up on Christmas Day, but they’re back in action tonight with a road matchup against the Indiana Pacers. And while Boston comes in riding high, Indiana is trying to stop the bleeding after dropping six straight. This isn’t just another game on the schedule-it’s a litmus test for two teams heading in very different directions.
Let’s break it down.
Celtics: A Team on a Mission
Boston enters the night looking every bit like a title contender. From top to bottom, this roster is loaded, and they’re playing with the kind of cohesion that championship teams are built on. Jaylen Brown has been especially vocal lately, making no secret of the Celtics’ championship aspirations-and backing it up with his play.
Brown’s two-way impact has been a driving force behind Boston’s recent surge. He’s attacking the rim with purpose, hitting the midrange with confidence, and locking down defensively. And when you pair that with Jayson Tatum’s all-around brilliance, the Celtics are a problem for anyone.
But it’s not just the stars. Role players are stepping up, the bench is producing, and the team’s defensive identity is back to being elite.
Neemias Queta, in particular, has been a revelation in the frontcourt, providing physicality and rim protection that’s altered the Celtics’ interior presence. He’s not just filling minutes-he’s changing games.
Boston’s recent shift in philosophy-emphasizing ball movement, spacing, and defensive versatility-has turned them into one of the most balanced teams in the league. And while they didn’t get the Christmas Day spotlight, they’re making their case as the team to beat in the East.
Pacers: Searching for Stability
On the other side, the Pacers are trying to find their footing. Six straight losses have them reeling, and they’ll need to dig deep to snap the skid against a red-hot Celtics squad.
Indiana’s offense, usually a strength, has sputtered at times during this stretch. Tyrese Haliburton continues to be the engine, but the supporting cast has struggled to find consistency. Defensively, the Pacers have had trouble stringing together stops-something that could be a major issue against a Celtics team that thrives on exploiting mismatches and pushing tempo.
There’s also some tension brewing. Following a recent matchup, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle publicly called on the league to review a play involving a Celtics center, labeling it "very dangerous." While the league has yet to issue any discipline, the comments added a layer of intensity to what’s already becoming a budding rivalry.
Still, the Pacers aren’t waving the white flag. Carlisle has made it clear: they’re going to keep fighting. And with home-court advantage and a chance to make a statement, Indiana will be looking to bring energy early and often.
What to Watch
1. The Frontcourt Battle
Neemias Queta has been a difference-maker for Boston, but Indiana has size of its own. Watch how the Pacers try to counter Queta’s physicality and whether they can keep Boston off the glass.
2. Jaylen Brown’s Aggression
Brown has been on a mission lately. If he comes out firing again, Indiana will need to find a way to slow him down-or risk another long night.
**3. Haliburton vs.
Boston’s Defense**
Haliburton is one of the most creative playmakers in the league, but Boston’s perimeter defense is elite.
Can he create enough offense to keep Indiana competitive?
4. Emotions Running High
With Carlisle’s comments still fresh, don’t be surprised if this one gets chippy. These teams are starting to build a little history, and tonight could add another chapter.
The Bigger Picture
For Boston, this is about keeping momentum and continuing to build championship habits. For Indiana, it’s about resilience-finding a way to stop the slide and prove they can hang with the league’s best.
The Celtics look like a special group right now. The Pacers are trying to rediscover what made them dangerous earlier in the season. One team is surging, the other searching-but both have something to prove tonight.
Tip-off can’t come soon enough.