The Indiana Pacers are trying to stop the bleeding. Riding a four-game skid, they head into TD Garden to face a surging Boston Celtics squad that’s won seven of its last nine. It’s the first meeting between these two teams this season, and while Indiana took two of three from Boston last year, this is a very different moment for both squads.
Let’s dive into the full injury report for Monday’s matchup - and what it means for both sides.
Pacers Injury Report - 12/22 vs. Celtics
- Johnny Furphy (ankle) - AVAILABLE
- Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) - OUT
- Kam Jones (G League) - QUESTIONABLE
- **T.J.
McConnell (knee)** - QUESTIONABLE
- Aaron Nesmith (knee) - OUT
- Taelon Peter (G League) - PROBABLE
- Ben Sheppard (calf) - OUT
- Obi Toppin (foot) - OUT
The big news for Indiana is that Johnny Furphy has been upgraded to available after dealing with a left ankle sprain. That’s a welcome development, especially after the rookie put together one of his most efficient outings of the season against the Pelicans - 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting. Furphy’s confidence is clearly building, and with Haliburton sidelined, the Pacers need every bit of offensive spark they can get.
T.J. McConnell is officially questionable with left knee soreness, but he’s coming off a vintage performance - 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting, plus eight assists, four boards, and two steals. If he’s able to go, McConnell’s veteran presence and playmaking would be a major boost for a Pacers team that’s short on floor generals with Haliburton out.
And speaking of Haliburton, the All-Star guard remains sidelined with an Achilles issue. It’s a tough blow for Indiana, especially against a Boston team that thrives on perimeter defense. Without Haliburton’s vision and tempo-setting, the Pacers will need a collective effort to keep their offense flowing.
Obi Toppin, Aaron Nesmith, and Ben Sheppard are also out, thinning Indiana’s rotation even further. That puts more pressure on the likes of Furphy and potentially McConnell to step up - and opens the door for deeper bench players to see meaningful minutes.
Celtics Injury Report - 12/22 vs. Pacers
- Jaylen Brown (illness) - AVAILABLE
- **Ron Harper Jr.
(G League)** - OUT
- Max Shulga (G League) - OUT
- Jayson Tatum (Achilles) - OUT
- Jordan Walsh (illness) - QUESTIONABLE
- Amari Williams (G League) - OUT
The Celtics, meanwhile, get a major piece back in the lineup. Jaylen Brown, who missed Saturday’s win over the Raptors with an illness, is available and ready to roll.
Brown has been nothing short of electric this season - averaging 29.3 points on 50% shooting, along with 6.3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. With Tatum still sidelined, Brown’s offensive load only grows, and he’s been up to the task.
Tatum remains out with an Achilles injury he suffered during last year’s playoff run against the Knicks. There’s no clear timeline for his return, and while Boston has managed well without him, his absence always looms large - especially in matchups where his shot creation and size would be a natural counter to Indiana’s frontcourt.
Jordan Walsh is listed as questionable due to illness. The third-year forward has quietly carved out a key role in Joe Mazzulla’s rotation, starting the last 16 games and doing a little bit of everything - 8.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1.3 steals per game on an eye-popping 61.6% from the field and 43.8% from three. If Walsh can’t go, Boston may look to shuffle its wing rotation, potentially giving more minutes to Sam Hauser or Oshae Brissett.
What to Watch
This game is a classic case of two teams trending in opposite directions - but with enough variables to make things interesting. Boston has been rolling, even without Tatum, thanks to their depth and Jaylen Brown’s hot hand. Indiana, meanwhile, is banged up and searching for answers without their engine in Haliburton.
Still, this is the NBA - and on any given night, a breakout performance or a hot shooting stretch can flip the script. Keep an eye on Furphy, whose confidence is growing by the game, and McConnell, whose availability could shape Indiana’s offensive rhythm. On the Celtics side, Brown will be the focal point, but if Walsh suits up, his two-way play could be a quiet X-factor.
The Celtics are the favorites on paper, but the Pacers have shown they can hang - even when short-handed. Monday night in Boston should give us a good read on where both teams stand as the calendar inches toward the midway mark of the season.