The Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers will tip off Monday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis with multiple players sidelined or questionable for the contest.
Boston is without Jayson Tatum, who continues his recovery from right Achilles surgery, and Josh Minott (left ankle sprain). Jaylen Brown is listed as doubtful with low back spasms, while Sam Hauser is questionable due to right hamstring tightness.
If Brown plays, his 29.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game could be crucial in maintaining Boston’s offensive balance, while Derrick White (18.6 points, 5.2 assists) and Payton Pritchard (16.8 points, 5.2 assists) are expected to carry a larger role regardless.
The Celtics have lost one of their last two games, falling 95-100 to the Spurs after defeating Toronto 125-117.
Indiana faces multiple absences as well, with Tyrese Haliburton (right Achilles tear), Obi Toppin (right foot stress fracture), and Bennedict Mathurin (right thumb sprain) all out. Andrew Nembhard (low back soreness) and two-way players Kam Jones and Taelon Peter are questionable.
Pascal Siakam (23.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists) will anchor the Pacers’ attack.
The Pacers are riding a two-game winning streak, defeating Miami 123-99 and Charlotte 114-112, and will aim to continue momentum against a Celtics team that leads the season series 2-0.
Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. ET, with Boston trying to protect its 24-14 record and Indiana aiming to extend its two-game streak despite an 8-31 overall mark.
