Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers Picks and Predictions December 27th 2024

Celtics Pursue Consistency Against Improving Pacers

The Boston Celtics aim to avoid their first three-game losing streak of the season when they host the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.

Boston enters the matchup following consecutive losses to the Orlando Magic (108-104) and Philadelphia 76ers (118-114). The defeat against Philadelphia dropped the Celtics’ home record to 11-5, already surpassing their total home losses from the 2023-24 season, when they went 37-4 at TD Garden.

Boston Seeks Stability

The Celtics have struggled with inconsistency lately, going 3-4 in their past seven games. Head coach Joe Mazzulla did not mince words following the loss to the 76ers.

“We’re playing inconsistent basketball, so we’ve got to be better at both ends of the floor,” Mazzulla said. “Got to be more consistent at both ends of the floor.”

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Veteran Al Horford echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for a stronger effort.

“I just think that we have to really dive into our work a little more and understand that we can’t relax during periods of the game, no matter the circumstance,” Horford said. “We have to make sure that we’re a little better in that regard, and with this group, I know that we’re capable of getting it together.”

Injury Concerns for the Celtics

Injuries continue to challenge Boston’s rotation. Jrue Holiday (shoulder) missed Wednesday’s game, and Kristaps Porziņģis exited early due to an ankle injury. Both players are listed as questionable for Friday.

“We’ve got to be better,” star forward Jayson Tatum said. “It’s still a long season. Nobody’s panicking. We’ve just got to navigate the emotional roller coaster of the NBA season. It feels a lot worse than it actually is. We’re not panicking or anything. We’ve just got to man up and look in the mirror and figure out some things that we’ve got to do better at.”

Indiana Looks to Rebound

The Pacers bring confidence into the matchup, having already defeated the Celtics earlier this season. On Oct. 30, Pascal Siakam hit six 3-pointers, including the game-winner in overtime, to give Indiana a 135-132 victory in Indianapolis.

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Indiana recently saw its five-game winning streak snapped in a 120-114 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. Forward Obi Toppin left the game with a sprained left ankle, returning briefly in the second quarter but missing the second half. Toppin is unlikely to play against Boston.

“It didn’t seem like it was that bad initially, then he felt it when he went back out,” Indiana coach Rick Carlisle said. “I certainly assume he’ll miss (the game against Boston) and we’ll see. He’s been a guy who’s bounced back quick.”

A Critical Stretch Ahead

Friday’s game marks the first of back-to-back meetings between these teams, as the Celtics and Pacers are set to play again Sunday in Boston. Both teams will look to set the tone in this important stretch, with Boston seeking consistency and Indiana aiming to continue its recent strong play.