The Boston Celtics make the trip to Indianapolis to take on the Indiana Pacers in their home arena of Gainsbridge Fieldhouse for the back end of a home-and-away series with the Pacers this week. The Celtics will look to keep their recent momentum going in the game as Boston could enter the new year on an extended winning streak.

The Pacers of course will look to leverage home court to steal a win vs. a ball club playing much better than they have with both teams in a so-called gap year. We expect the Celtics to win this one, but if the last meeting between these two teams (or any of them of late, honestly) taught us anything, it won’t be an easy victory.

Advertisement

Records, standing, and streaks

At present, the Celtics have an 18-11 record coming into tonight’s contest after winning their last three games. That is good enough for third in the Eastern Conference standings.

Dec 22, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) controls the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Johnny Furphy (12) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Dec 22, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) controls the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Johnny Furphy (12) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The Pacers are the owners of a 6-24 record, good enough for 14th in the West.

What happened in the last game for each team?

Boston beat the Pacers 103-95 at home.

Dec 22, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) dunks the ball during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Dec 22, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) dunks the ball during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Indiana lost to the Milwaukee Bucks 111-94, also at home.

Injuries

For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum (Achilles), Chris Boucher (persona reasons) are out, and Jordan Walsh (illness) is probable.

Dec 29, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) controls the ball while Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) defends during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Dec 29, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) controls the ball while Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) defends during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

For Indiana, Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles), Isaiah Jackson (concussion), Aaron Nesmith (MCL), Ben Sheppard (calf), and Obi Toppin (foot) are out.

Advertisement

Probable starting lineups – CelticsDec 22, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Quenton Jackson (29) gets fouled by Boston Celtics center Luka Garza (52) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Dec 22, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Quenton Jackson (29) gets fouled by Boston Celtics center Luka Garza (52) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn 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 at Pacers: Stream, lineups, injury reports, broadcast (12/26)