Gameday Preview: Celtics vs. Pacers (December 27, 2020)
Trevor Ruszkowski | USA TODAY Sports
After battling through a tough first two games of the season, the Celtics travel to Indiana tonight to face off against the undefeated Pacers.
The Celtics managed to go 1-1 in their first two games of the season despite many believing they would drop both. The Bucks and the Nets are two of the top teams in the league, and although the C’s are missing Kemba Walker they pulled off an astonishing victory against Milwaukee. Unfortunately, they were unable to repeat that success versus the Nets. The first half of that one looked promising, but as soon as the second half started Kevin Durant turned into a flamethrower. Boston wasn’t able to do anything to stop him and Brooklyn ended up running away with it.
Jaylen Brown has been an absolute stud through the first two games, averaging 30 points a night. He was the most consistent guy last season, and it seems as though that trend is set to continue. As for the rest of the squad, things have looked shaky at times. Jayson Tatum has been solid, but it seems like he struggles to get things going at the start of games. Jeff Teague struggled against Brooklyn, but was great versus Milwaukee; meanwhile, the other new free agent signing, Tristan Thompson, has provided some much-needed rebounding. Other solid performers include Grant Williams, Semi Ojeleye, and rookie Payton Pritchard.
Indiana has seen great success in their first two games, although they have both been against lesser opponents. They beat the Knicks by 14 in their season opener and blew out the Bulls just yesterday 125-106. Tonight’s game will be the second of a back-to-back for the Pacers, although the blowout in Chicago means that Indiana’s key pieces should still be pretty well rested.
Domantas Sabonis has been absolutely dominant for the Pacers, averaging 27 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8 assists through the first two games. Both members of Indiana’s backcourt, Malcolm Brodgon and Victor Oladipo, are averaging right around 20 points a night as well. The Pacers are a very solid all-around team who have solid guys at every position.
Boston has taken four of the last six matchups against Indiana, the last being a win back in March of this year. Jayson Tatum posted 30 points, while Daniel Theis also managed to put up 20. As for the Pacers, Sabonis and Oladipo had great games, putting up 28 and 27 respectively. The Pacers have almost the exact same roster as last season, while Boston added some new pieces this offseason. Depending on who guards him, Tatum should be able to thrive against this squad.
Make sure to tune in to our pregame show, the Banner Town Buildup, live on the @GuyBostonSports twitter account at 7:30 PM EST. The C’s tip-off at 8:00 PM EST on NBC Sports Boston.
