Final: Pacers 123, Celtics 114 - C's defense, shooting struggle in another home loss

BOSTON CELTICS (23-8) vs INDIANA PACERS (15-17)

TD Garden 6 p.m. - NBCS Boston

Line: Boston -11.5

INJURIES

Boston: Kristaps Porzingis (OUT, ankle), Jrue Holiday (OUT, shoulder)

Indiana: Isaiah Jackson (OUT, Achilles), Aaron Nesmith (OUT, ankle), Obi Toppin (OUT, ankle), James Wiseman (OUT, Achilles)

THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR

1: Control the pace: The Pacers are still down a couple of guys, but they’ll be anxious to bounce back from a 40-point embarrassment on Friday night. I expect a better punch from a rested Pacers team, so Boston has to be careful not to get caught up in any frantic Pacers basketball. 

2. Defense: Andrew Nembhard is back, and that makes a big difference for the Pacers. I expect Pascal Siakam to play better. And if Tyrese Haliburton builds on Friday’s good performance, the Pacers will be able to score a few more points. They didn't do a great job getting all the way to the rim Friday night, so I’m betting that will be more of a focus. 

3. Offensive rebounding: The Celtics have been able to hurt the Pacers on the boards twice so far this season, putting up a season-best 18 offensive rebounds in both their matchups. The Celtics do a great job crashing from the corners up to the free throw line to get long rebounds off 3-pointers. Giving themselves more chances to score is the best way to outscore an opponent like Indy. 

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.