The Indiana Pacers (6-22) face the Boston Celtics (17-11) in an Eastern Conference tilt at TD Garden, where the struggling Pacers look to play spoiler against a Celtics team aiming to rebound from a recent loss and maintain their playoff positioning. Boston, playing at home, will leverage their defensive prowess despite injuries, while Indiana hopes to exploit any absences with pace and transition scoring. This matchup could hinge on Boston’s ability to contain Tyrese Haliburton and Indiana’s poor road form (2-12 away), potentially leading to a lopsided affair if the Celtics’ stars perform. With both teams dealing with key absences, expect a focus on depth and three-point shooting in a game that might stay under the total due to defensive emphases.
Venue Location
The game will be held at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. This iconic arena, opened in 1995, has a seating capacity of 19,156 for basketball and is known for its passionate fans, high-definition video boards, and historical significance as the home of 18 NBA championships.
Tip-off is scheduled for Monday, December 22, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on Bally Sports Indiana for Pacers coverage and NBC Sports Boston for Celtics fans, with streaming available via NBA League Pass. Radio options include the Pacers Radio Network (WFNI 1070 AM) and Celtics Radio Network (WEEI 93.7 FM).
Injury Report
Injuries significantly impact both sides, with Indiana’s wing depth depleted and Boston managing illnesses that could affect their star power.
Indiana Pacers Injuries:
TJ McConnell (PG): Out (left knee injury); a key bench spark whose absence hurts playmaking.
Aaron Nesmith (SF): Out (left ankle sprain); impacts perimeter defense and shooting.
Ben Sheppard (SG): Out (left calf strain); further thins guard rotation.
Johnny Furphy (SG): Questionable (left ankle sprain); game-time decision affecting wing depth.
Boston Celtics Injuries:
Jaylen Brown (SF): Questionable (non-COVID illness); a major scoring threat whose status is game-time.
Neemias Queta (C): Out (non-COVID illness); backup center depth hit.
Ron Harper Jr. (SG): Out (G League two-way); minimal impact.
Jordan Walsh (SF): Questionable (non-COVID illness); affects wing rotation if out.
Luke Kornet (C): Out (right foot stress fracture); weakens frontcourt size.
Player Matchups to Watch
Injuries shift focus to star guards and frontcourt battles, with pace and three-point defense key.
Tyrese Haliburton (IND) vs. Derrick White (BOS): Haliburton’s playmaking (20+ PPG, 10+ APG) tests White’s elite defense, potentially creating open looks if Boston rotates slowly.
Pascal Siakam (IND) vs. Jayson Tatum (BOS): Siakam’s versatility (20+ PPG) faces Tatum’s scoring (28+ PPG), a two-way duel controlling the mid-range.
Myles Turner (IND) vs. Al Horford (BOS, if Kornet out): Turner’s rim protection vs. Horford’s spacing, key in pick-and-roll scenarios.
Bennedict Mathurin (IND) vs. Jaylen Brown (BOS, if active): Mathurin’s scoring punch exploits Brown’s potential absence; otherwise, a high-energy wing matchup.
Aaron Wiggins (IND) vs. Jrue Holiday (BOS): Wiggins’ energy off the bench vs. Holiday’s lockdown defense, impacting second-unit scoring.
Team Records
Indiana Pacers: 6-22 overall, last in the Central Division.
Boston Celtics: 17-11 overall, leading the Atlantic Division.
Recent Team Forms
Boston shows resilience despite losses, while Indiana struggles with consistency.
Indiana Pacers (Last 5 Games): Averaging around 105 points scored but higher allowed, on a four-game losing streak. Form: L-L-L-L-W.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 20 | vs. NOP | L 109-128 |
| Dec 18 | @ Opponent | L |
| Dec 16 | vs. Opponent | L |
| Dec 14 | @ Opponent | L |
| Dec 12 | vs. Opponent | W |
Boston Celtics (Last 5 Games): Averaging 121 points scored, with a 3-2 record including wins over strong teams. Form: W-L-W-L-W.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 20 | @ TOR | W 112-96 |
| Dec 19 | vs. CHI | L 125-136 |
| Dec 17 | vs. Opponent | W |
| Dec 15 | @ Opponent | L |
| Dec 12 | vs. LAL | W 126-105 |
Series History
The Celtics lead the all-time regular-season series 110-87 in 197 games, with a 55.9% win rate. At home, Boston holds a strong edge. Recent trends favor Boston, winning 3 of the last 5, including a 142-105 blowout on December 27, 2024. Games average higher scoring lately, with Boston outscoring Indiana by + positive margins in wins.
Betting Trends
Trends: Indiana is 2-3 ATS in their last five and 4-10 ATS on the road. Boston is 3-2 ATS as favorites but 2-3 ATS at home recently. The under has hit in 60% of Pacers road games and 55% of Celtics home contests this season. Indiana has covered as +10 or more underdogs in 3 of 5 such spots.
Game Odds
Indiana Pacers 225.5
Boston Celtics – 12.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 21, 2025
