Injury Woes for Indiana Pacers as Jaylen Brown Returns for Celtics
The Indiana Pacers are facing a challenging moment as they prepare to take on the Boston Celtics tonight at TD Garden. The team has confirmed that guard T.J. McConnell will be sidelined due to left knee soreness, a setback that adds to the team’s mounting injury issues. Conversely, second-year guard Johnny Furphy, who recently dealt with a left ankle sprain, is expected to take the court.
Meanwhile, the Celtics are welcoming back their star forward Jaylen Brown, who missed the previous game due to illness. However, they will have to make do without second-year forward Jordan Walsh, who will miss his second consecutive game for the same reason.
Injury Report
Pacers
T.J. McConnell: Out – Knee
Johnny Furphy: Available – Ankle
Ben Sheppard: Out – Calf
Tyrese Haliburton: Out – Achilles
Aaron Nesmith: Out – Knee
Obi Toppin: Out – Foot
Celtics
Jaylen Brown: Available – Illness
Jordan Walsh: Out – Illness
Game Overview
The matchup is set for Monday, December 22, at 7:30 p.m. EST in Boston. Fans can catch the game on the FanDuel Sports Network Indiana or NBC Sports Boston, with radio coverage available on 93.5 FM/107.5 FM The Fan (Indiana) and 98.5 FM The Sports Hub (Boston).
Team Vitals
Tonight marks the first of four regular-season encounters between the Pacers (6-22) and the Celtics (17-11). In their three meetings last season, the Pacers managed to secure two victories. Historically, the Pacers have an overall record of 87-110 against the Celtics, which includes a 58-41 record when playing at home, but they struggle with a 29-69 mark in Boston.
Projected Starters
Pacers
G Andrew Nembhard
G Quenton Jackson
C Jay Huff
F Bennedict Mathurin
F Pascal Siakam
Celtics
G Payton Pritchard
G Derrick White
C Neemias Queta
F Jaylen Brown
F Sam Hauser
Betting Lines
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the spread is set at Pacers +11.5 (-106) and Celtics -10.5 (-114). The moneyline stands at Pacers +450 and Celtics -600, with the total points scored projected at 225.5 (over -112, under -108).
Coach’s Insight
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle has been vocal about the team’s struggles, particularly in finishing plays. He noted, “We missed 12 layups at the rim in this game and they were ill-timed because those misses often turned into threes, baskets, or and-ones. It was uncanny the way it was happening, but that’s not an excuse, it’s just a fact. It just goes to show you how important those swing plays are and so, we got to win more of our share of them.”
As the Pacers navigate through their injury troubles, this matchup against a formidable Celtics squad presents an opportunity to turn their fortunes around. With key players out and others stepping into the spotlight, the game holds significant implications for both teams as the season progresses.
