The Boston Celtics will try to keep their recent momentum going into an easier chunk of their schedule for the 2025-26 NBA season. The storied franchise will play host to a fellow Eastern Conference ball club dealing with their best player rehabbing a torn Achilles tendon sustained in the 2025 NBA Playoffs as they take on the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden this Monday (Dec. 22) night.
With the team playing well and mostly healthy compared to the Pacers, the Celtics ought to win this contest handily. But as is always the case, the Celtics run the risk of an upset if they mail it in vs. the Pacers on the first tilt of a home-and-away series with Indiana.
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Records, standing, and streaks
At present, the Celtics have a 17-11 record coming into tonight’s contest after winning their last four games. That is good enough for third in the Eastern Conference standings.
Dec 29, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) shoots the ball between Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) and Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
The Pacers are the owners of a 6-22 record, good enough for 14th place in the East.
What happened in the last game for each team?
Boston beat the Toronto Raptors 112-96 on the road.
Dec 29, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) controls the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Indiana lost to the New Orleans Pelicans 128-109, also on the road.
Injuries
For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum (Achilles) is out, and Jaylen Brown and Jordan Walsh (both illness) are questionable.
Dec 29, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) shoots the ball between Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) and Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles), Aaron Nesmith (knee), Ben Sheppard (calf), and Obi Toppin (foot) are out, and TJ McConnell (knee) is questionable.
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Probable starting lineups – Celtics
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 29: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics puts up a shot against Andrew Nembhard #2 of the Indiana Pacers during the second quarter at the TD Garden on December 29, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Probable starting lineups – IndianaWhat time is tipoff, and on what channels?
Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:
TV Channel: NBC Sports Boston
Listen to “Havlicek Stole the Pod” on:
Spotify: https://tiny.ee/CdKp
iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47
YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cO
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics vs. Pacers: Stream, lineups, injury reports, broadcast (12/22)