Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers Picks and Predictions December 29th 2024

Two Days After Blowout Win, Celtics Face Pacers Again

The Boston Celtics will look to replicate their dominant performance as they host the Indiana Pacers for the second time in three nights on Sunday.

Brown’s Big Night Powers Celtics

Jaylen Brown delivered a standout performance in Friday’s 142-105 victory, scoring a season-high 44 points and adding four steals. His two-way play highlighted why many consider him among the NBA’s elite defenders.

“People don’t pay enough attention to (defense), but I feel like I’m one of the best two-way players in the world,” Brown said. “I try to hang my hat on that side by doing different assignments, like picking up guys full court, chasing guys off screens, switching onto bigs.”

The win ended Boston’s two-game losing streak and showcased their offensive firepower. The Celtics shot 51.1 percent from the field and connected on 23 of 56 (41.1 percent) from 3-point range while dominating the rebounding battle 52-39.

Brown’s effort drew praise from teammates, including Payton Pritchard.
“What he is capable of doing, and at his size, you don’t see many people picking up full-court like that, guarding the best guards in the world,” Pritchard said. “He should definitely be in the All-Defensive Team category because we give him the hardest assignments.”

Pacers Seek Adjustments

For the Pacers, defense and rebounding were glaring issues Friday night. Indiana gave up a season-high 142 points and allowed Boston to grab 18 offensive rebounds.

“We didn’t get any stops the whole night, and then offensively we didn’t shoot the ball well,” said Tyrese Haliburton, who led Indiana with 19 points and nine assists. “You give up (18) offensive rebounds and you don’t shoot the ball well against Boston, that’s what it’s going to look like.”

Indiana shot just 41.8 percent from the field and a dismal 28.2 percent from 3-point range. The Pacers also entered Friday’s game on the second night of a back-to-back following a 120-114 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, ending a five-game winning streak.

Head coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the need for improvement.

“There were so many problems out there. They cause major problems with their star players and shooting ability,” Carlisle said. “This is not about excuses. We just have to play better. … We’re going to, obviously, have to be a lot better with everything on Sunday.”

Key Matchup: Rebounding Battle

The Celtics’ dominance on the boards Friday night proved to be a decisive factor. If the Pacers hope to turn the tide in Sunday’s game, improving their rebounding and limiting second-chance opportunities will be essential.

What’s at Stake

Sunday marks the third and final regular-season meeting between the teams. The Pacers won the first matchup, a thrilling 135-132 overtime victory on Oct. 30. The Celtics, however, appear to be in better form and will aim to solidify their dominance with a season-series win.