Final: Celtics 142, Pacers 138 (OT) - Celtics survive sloppy night

Game 60: Celtics (-8) at Indiana Pacers, 7:00 p.m., Gainbridge Fieldhouse, NBCS Boston

Injuries: 

Boston: OUT- Danilo Gallinari

Indiana: None

Probable Pacers Starters: Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Myles Turner, Buddy Hield, Aaron Nesmith

Refs: Ed Malloy (#14), Scott Twardoski (#52), John Butler (#30)

Last time they played: Pacers 117, Celtics 112, December 21- The Celtics opened the game on an 11-5 run, but then it all fell apart  with a bevy of missed shots, turnovers, and completely listless defense. The Celtics fell behind by as much as 30 before they staged a furious comeback led by a suddenly aggressive Jayson Tatum, but Tyrese Haliburton and Chris Duarte hit huge shots at key times to hold Boston off, 117-112.

A little something about this game: The Pacers are 3-16 over their last 19 games, falling from a surprising playoff team to out of the play-in tournament. The Pacers were one of the teams expected to be sellers at the trade deadline and instead they kept their core, extended Myles Turner, and are preparing for a stretch run with a goal of making the playoffs. This Malcolm Brogdon's first game back in Indiana since the trade to Boston.

Things I’m looking for: 

- Cohesion: I want to see the Celtics, especially their starters, play with a renewed sense of cohesion. Everything they do has to be tied to something else someone is doing, which means cuts and passes and quick decisions. The proverbial “playing on a string” instead of standing and watching iso scorers go at it. 

- Consistency: I don’t want to see a great first quarter/crappy second quarter/great third quarter, fourth quarter lull and trying to hold on at the end. I want to see good play from start to finish. Everyone should be fresh. Let’s see everyone come back with a consistent effort throughout.

- Make them quit: The Pacers have had a hard time maintaining a consistent effort, so Boston can really take advantage of that by being relentless with their offense and defense. Transition points will help the shooting, and that will help the half court driving. Forget being the Celtics, be Cobra Kai. No mercy. Sweep the leg.

Follow along below or in the comments during the game, chime in, and let’s have fun.