The Indiana Pacers (10-34) continue their road trip in Boston on Wednesday as they take on the Celtics (26-16) following a 113-104 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. Boston also took a loss on Monday as the Detroit Pistons narrowly defeated the Celtics, 104-103.
Indiana is just 2-18 on the road this season, but looks to secure a third road win in Boston on Wednesday. The Celtics lead the season series, 2-1, but the Pacers found a defensive rhythm in Boston’s most recent visit to Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Indiana held the Celtics to just 26 percent shooting from 3-point range in that game and defeated them 98-96, marking just the fourth time the Pacers held an opponent under 100 this season. Jaylen Brown did not play in that contest due to lower back spasms.
Both Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard tallied strong scoring performances on Monday despite the loss. Siakam notched 24 points, and Nembhard contributed 25. That pair will carry the offensive load for Indiana on Wednesday as Boston looks to be reinforced with Brown for the fourth clash between the two clubs.
The Celtics await the return of star forward Jayson Tatum, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon in last season’s playoffs. Boston hasn’t yet ruled Tatum out for the season, and the Celtics currently sit second in the Eastern Conference.
Tatum will not be available for Monday’s game.
Indiana’s 10-34 record lands it in 15th place in the Eastern Conference, but the gap in the standings doesn’t intimidate the Blue and Gold as they travel to Boston.
“This team’s battled all year with a big deficit of talent with a lot of guys hurt, and stuff like that,” coach Rick Carlisle said on Monday. “But there have been no excuses. The last couple of years, this team has committed to a standard for hard play and commitment to team, and we haven’t wavered from that.”
After Wednesday’s contest, the Pacers will continue their five-game road trip as they head to Oklahoma City for a Finals rematch with the Thunder on Friday, Jan. 23, at 8:00 PM ET.
Projected Starters
Pacers: G – Andrew Nembhard, G – Aaron Nesmith, F – Johnny Furphy, F – Pascal Siakam, C – Jay Huff
Celtics: G – Payton Pritchard, G – Derrick White, F – Sam Hauser, F – Jaylen Brown, C – Neemias Queta
Injury Report
Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton – out (right Achilles tendon tear), Bennedict Mathurin – out (right thumb sprain), Obi Toppin – out (right foot stress fracture)
Celtics: Josh Minott – questionable (ankle), Jayson Tatum – out (right Achilles tendon tear)
Last Meeting
Jan. 12, 2026: The Pacers secured a last-second win over the Boston Celtics as Pascal Siakam hit a bank shot with 6.1 seconds remaining to push Indiana past Boston, 98-96. The win marked the Pacers’ third straight victory — their longest winning streak of the season.
Siakam led the Blue and Gold with 21 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and the deciding bucket, but Jay Huff had a spectacular game as well. Huff notched 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including four 3-pointers. Indiana played without Bennedict Mathurin, who was sidelined with a sprained thumb.
Payton Pritchard led Boston with his 23 points and eight assists, but Indiana’s defense was particularly tight. The Celtics played without leading scorer Jaylen Brown, who was sidelined with lower back spasms. The Celtics shot just 26 percent from deep as Indiana shot 43 percent from 3-point range.
The loss was Boston’s third over a four game span, and Indiana secured its first game in the four-game regular season series. The Celtics still led that series following the loss, 2-1.
Noteworthy
Indiana is 88-112 against Boston all-time.
The Pacers trail the Celtics in the season series, 2-1.
Wednesday’s game is the fourth and final regular-season meeting between the Pacers and Celtics.
The Boston Celtics drafted Aaron Nesmith 14th overall in 2020. The Pacers acquired him via trade in 2022.
Broadcast Information (Where to Watch and Listen to Pacers Games >>)
TV: FanDuel Sports Network/WTHR/Pluto TV/Prime Video – Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host)
Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan – Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Eddie Gill (analyst), Pat Boylan (studio host)
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