Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info & More
There are not a lot of people who would have predicted that when the Indiana Pacers played the Boston Celtics on January 27 that the Pacers would be seven games over .500 and the boys from Beantown would be 8-9. Welcome to the NBA in 2012.
The Pacers have surprised this season thanks to some inspired play on the defensive side of the ball and an offense that does just enough to get by. They have a good chemistry, evidenced by the fact that five players average at least 10.9 points per game.
The Celtics knew that they had a limited window of opportunity with their version of the Big Three, and, sure enough, age has finally caught up to them. There is talk of breaking up Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, though we shall wait and see what becomes of that as the Trade Deadline approaches.
Where: TD Garden Arena in Boston, MA
When: Friday, Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m. EDT
Watch: FOX Sports Indiana (Pacers); Comcast Sportsnet (Boston)
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Betting Line: Indiana (-3) via Covers.com
Key Injuries (via CBS Sports)
Indiana Pacers
PG A.J. Price - Questionable (Illness)
C Jeff Foster - Out (Back)
Boston Celtics
SG Ray Allen - Questionable (Ankle)
PG Rajon Rondo - Doubtful (Wrist)
What's At Stake?
The Pacers look to continue their winning ways. They just defeated the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday in one of the most emotional games this season. A victory on the road against Boston would work wonders for the confidence of this young team trying to establish itself in the east.
The Celtics are trying to build any positive momentum they can. They got a huge win over Orlando on Thursday, with a 27-point comeback. A win against the Pacers after a win like the one they had last night would be a huge confidence boost, as they try to turn things around.
What They Are Saying
Paul Pierce had plenty to say about the resolve of the Celtics following their huge win over Orlando on Thursday. He praised the effort of everyone on the team, and believes it could be the start of something new.
From the Boston Herald:
"“It’s just our spirit, where we remain positive,” said Pierce. “On losing teams, when you lose games and things don’t go your way, then there’s finger-pointing. But you don’t have that in this locker room. The veteran leadership in this locker room won’t allow that.
“It should give us tremendous confidence, especially with guys hurt — key guys hurt,” said Pierce. “We didn’t have Jermaine to guard Dwight (Howard), we’re without our All-Star point guard, our All-Star 2-guard. Everything was in the making for us to lay down and get ready for tomorrow, but there’s something about this locker room where the light has switched on.”
"
If there was ever a time for the Celtics to turn their season around, it would be right now.
Pacers Player To Watch: C Roy Hibbert
The Pacers have a great presence in the paint thanks to the combination of Hibbert and David West. Their toughness comes from Hibbert's ability down low on both ends of the floor.
He is second on the team with 14.4 points per game and leads the team with 9.9 rebounds a contest. This has been a great breakout season for him, and the team is going to go as far as he takes them.
Celtics Player To Watch: SF Paul Pierce
The Celtics have struggled on offense all season, but Pierce has been a bright spot. He leads the team with 16.5 points per game, and he needs a great performance for the Celtics to have a chance. The Pacers boast one of the top defenses in the league, so each possession is precious.
Pierce is not shooting the ball well this season, just 41.4 percent in the 14 games he has played, so he will have to find a rhythm early to make sure that everyone else follows his lead.
Key Matchup: Celtics Front Line vs. Roy Hibbert
In addition to being an efficient scorer in the paint, Hibbert has established himself as one of the best rebounders in the NBA. The Celtics are going to have to put multiple bodies on him in order to prevent him from creating second chance oppertunities.
The Celtics have been good at preventing opposing teams from scoring this season, but their rebounding skills have diminished greatly. They don't have the same presence in the middle that they used to.
Prediction: Pacers 93, Celtics 90
