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Indiana Pacers game preview: Pacers travel to Boston hoping to topple Celtics again

The Pacers take on the 2022 Eastern Conference Champions tonight
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The Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics will square off tonight for the third and final time of the 2022-23 season. The teams split the frist two games, with the second one going to overtime.

The Celtics and Pacers are both 5-5 in their last 10 outings, though Boston is in more of a slump than Indiana right now. Both squads won their most recent game.

Viewing and Betting Information

Tip off time: 7 p.m. Eastern Time

Location: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts

Where to watch: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Indiana/Bally Sports+, NBC Sports Boston

Spread and Over/Under: The Pacers are heavy underdogs as they are +11.5 in the SI Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is 234.5.


Pacers vs Celtics Injury Report

For the Pacers, wing Kendall Brown (right tibia stress fracture) is out. Chris Duarte (left ankle soreness) and Tyrese Haliburton (right ankle sprain) are questionable again. Guard Trevelin Queen is questionable as a part of his two-way contract.

For the Celtics, Payton Pritchard is doubtful. JD Davison, Danilo Gallinari, and Mfiondu Kabengele are out.

Key Matchups

Aaron Nesmith vs Jayson Tatum: Former Celtic Aaron Nesmith has improved significantly since being traded to Indiana, and he will have a chance to show that again tonight against his former team. His defense has been key all year.

He will be tasked with slowing down Jayson Tatum tonight, a star who has been on the fringes of the MVP conversation all season long. Tatum had 36 points in the Celtics most recent outing, and he is the exact type of player that the blue and gold typically struggle to stop. Nesmith will be an important piece.

Myles Turner vs Al Horford: Boston has many talented players, but few have the impact that Horford does in terms of elevating those around him. The Celtics have a better net rating with the veteran on the court than off, and the big man has been a skilled playmaker against the Pacers this season.

Indiana center Myles Turner will need to win that matchup, like he has already this season, to give his team a chance. Turner's shooting, in particular, will be important to spread out a strong Celtics defense — one that is anchored by Horford.


  • Indiana Pacers two-way players Trevelin Queen and Kendall Brown are developing in the G League this season. CLICK HERE.
  • Indiana Pacers officially acquire a first-round draft pick from Boston as the Celtics clinch a playoff berth. CLICK HERE.
  • Indiana Pacers make NBA history as three Canadian players start together for the first time ever. CLICK HERE.
  • What would the play-in tournament mean for the Indiana Pacers? 'That's everyone in this locker room's goal.' CLICK HERE.
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