Final: Pacers 135, Celtics 132 - C's force OT, but suffer first loss of the season

BOSTON CELTICS (4-0) at INDIANA PACERS (1-3)

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 7:00 p.m. - NBCS Boston, ESPN

Line: Boston -6.5

INJURIES

Boston: Kristaps Porzingis (OUT, ankle), Sam Hauser (PROBABLE, back)

Indiana: Myles Turner (QUESTIONABLE, ankle), Johnny Furphy (QUESTIONABLE, illness), James Wiseman (OUT, Achilles) 

THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR

1. Pacers confidence: They have not started well this season, playing slower and not getting up nearly as many 3-pointers as we’re used to. But they also know they were Boston’s toughest playoff opponent despite the sweep (Joe Mazzulla said so), and a little confidence boost against a tough opponent like Boston on national television could be something that snaps the Pacer back to their usual selves. They're not going to want to be embarrassed on ESPN, so I expect a more confident Pacers group to come out with their best effort of the young season. 

2. Pace: Indiana hasn’t played their typical style. They were second in the league in pace last season but have started this year 22nd. Boston is 24th, but they’ve been looking to play faster, which could play into Indiana’s hands. It’ll be interesting to see how Boston attacks Indiana and whether the Celtics play slower just to avoid a track meet. 

3. Better offense: I didn’t like how Boston ran its offense against Milwaukee. They missed open shooters and set some bad picks. I want to see more disciplined execution. 

Follow along with my thoughts as the game goes on. They’ll show up below and in the comments section, so hop in and share your opinion as well.