The Boston Celtics hit the road to face the struggling Indiana Pacers in an Eastern Conference matchup on January 12, 2026. Boston, sitting third in the East, aims to extend their three-game road win streak despite significant injuries, including the absence of Jayson Tatum. The Pacers, last in the Central Division and riding a surprising two-game win streak, are dealing with a depleted roster but have shown recent fight at home. This game marks the third meeting this season, with Boston winning the first two convincingly. Expect a defensive battle if key players sit, but Boston’s depth should prevail.
Venue
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Tip-Off Time: 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT)
TV/Streaming: Peacock, NBCS-BOS; available on NBA League Pass
Gainbridge Fieldhouse has been a mixed bag for the Pacers this season, with a 6-15 home record but recent wins injecting some energy.
Injury Report
Both teams are hit hard by injuries, thinning out rotations and potentially slowing the pace.
Boston Celtics Injuries:
Jaylen Brown (SF): Doubtful – Low Back Spasms
Sam Hauser (PF): Questionable – Right Hamstring Tightness
Josh Minott (PF): Out – Left Ankle Sprain
Jayson Tatum (SF): Out – Right Achilles Repair
Without Tatum, Boston’s scoring drops, but Brown (if he plays) has shouldered the load, averaging 30+ in recent revenge spots. Minott’s absence limits bench athleticism.
Indiana Pacers Injuries:
Tyrese Haliburton (PG): Out – Right Achilles Tendon Tear
Isaiah Jackson (PF): Out – Concussion
Bennedict Mathurin (SG): Out – Right Thumb Sprain
Obi Toppin (PF): Out – Right Foot Stress Fracture
Andrew Nembhard (SG): Questionable – Low Back Soreness
Kam Jones (G): Questionable – G League Assignment
Taelon Peter (F): Questionable – G League Two-Way
Ethan Thompson (G): Questionable – G League Two-Way
The Pacers are without their star point guard Haliburton for the season, severely impacting playmaking. Mathurin and Toppin’s absences weaken the wing and frontcourt, forcing reliance on Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner.
Key Player Matchups
Injuries shift dynamics, but expect Boston’s veterans to exploit Indiana’s youth and absences.
Jaylen Brown (BOS, if available) vs. Pascal Siakam (IND): Brown (25.4 PPG) has torched Indiana lately, averaging 30.5 in the last two meetings. Siakam (23.6 PPG, team-high) must anchor the Pacers’ offense and defense, but Boston’s length could force turnovers.
Jrue Holiday (BOS) vs. Andrew Nembhard (IND, if available): Holiday’s elite defense (1.5 SPG) could stifle Nembhard (14.2 PPG), who’s questionable. If Nembhard sits, Indiana’s backcourt thins, giving Holiday free rein to facilitate (7.1 APG).
Kristaps Porzingis (BOS) vs. Myles Turner (IND): Porzingis (20.8 PPG, 2.1 BPG) dominates the paint, while Turner (17.5 PPG, 2.3 BPG) provides rim protection. This big-man duel could decide rebounding (Boston ranks top-5 at 46.3 RPG).
Bench notes: Boston’s Payton Pritchard and Neemias Queta add shooting and energy; Indiana leans on Aaron Nesmith for perimeter defense.
Recent Team Forms
Boston is inconsistent but strong on the road lately; Indiana snapped a skid with back-to-back wins.
Boston Celtics Last 10 Games (6-4):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Jan 10 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L | 95-100 |
| Jan 9 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W | 125-117 |
| Jan 7 | vs. Denver Nuggets | L | 110-114 |
| Jan 5 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W | 115-101 |
| Jan 3 | @ LA Clippers | W | 146-115 |
| Jan 1 | @ Sacramento Kings | W | 120-106 |
| Dec 30 | vs. Utah Jazz | L | 103-105 |
| Dec 28 | @ Washington Wizards | W | 136-107 |
| Dec 26 | @ Indiana Pacers | W | 140-122 |
| Dec 24 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | L | 109-108 |
Boston’s offense averages 118.3 PPG in wins but dips to 102.8 in losses; defense allows 108.7 PPG lately.
Indiana Pacers Last 10 Games (2-8):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Jan 10 | vs. Miami Heat | W | 123-99 |
| Jan 8 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W | 114-112 |
| Jan 6 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | L | 116-120 |
| Jan 4 | @ Orlando Magic | L | 127-135 |
| Jan 2 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L | 113-123 |
| Dec 30 | vs. Houston Rockets | L | 119-126 |
| Dec 28 | @ Miami Heat | L | 116-142 |
| Dec 26 | vs. Boston Celtics | L | 122-140 |
| Dec 24 | vs. Orlando Magic | L | 110-112 |
| Dec 22 | @ Boston Celtics | L | 95-103 |
Indiana’s defense has improved in wins (105.5 PPG allowed) but ranks 29th overall (120.1 PPG allowed).
Series History
All-Time Record: Boston leads 112-87 in 199 regular-season games.
Recent Matchups: Boston has won the last 2 (140-122 on Dec 26, 103-95 on Dec 22) and 14 of the last 20 overall. In playoffs, Boston leads 21-12.
At Gainbridge Fieldhouse: Boston is 4-2 in their last 6 visits, with the over hitting in 4 of 5 recent road games vs. Indiana.
Betting Trends
Spread: Celtics are 21-16-1 ATS overall (10-8 as 5.5+ favorites), while Pacers are 20-19 ATS (solid as underdogs at 20-19).
Over/Under: Over has hit in 17-22 Celtics games (43.6%) and 20-19 Pacers games. Models project 229 total points.
Trends to Note: Boston is 28-12 on the moneyline in last 40 road games; Pacers are 1-4 SU in last 5 overall but 3-2 ATS.
Game Odds
Boston Celtics – 5.5
Indiana Pacers 226.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, January 11, 2026
