Pacers Injury Crisis Deepens Ahead of Celtics Clash
As the Indiana Pacers gear up for a critical matchup against the Boston Celtics, the injury report is painting a grim picture for the team. Star guard Tyrese Haliburton and forward Obi Toppin have both been ruled out, exacerbating an already challenging season for the Pacers.
Current Injury Overview
In the latest injury updates, the Pacers are grappling with multiple absences:
Tyrese Haliburton: Out – Achilles
Obi Toppin: Out – Foot
Ben Sheppard: Out – Calf
Aaron Nesmith: Out – Knee
T.J. McConnell: Questionable – Knee
Johnny Furphy: Questionable – Ankle
On the other side, the Celtics are not without their own concerns:
Jaylen Brown: Questionable – Illness
Jordan Walsh: Questionable – Illness
Ron Harper Jr.: Day-to-day – Calf
Matchup Details
The Pacers (6-22) will face the Celtics (17-11) for the first of four regular season encounters. Historically, the Pacers have struggled against Boston, holding an all-time record of 87-110. However, they managed to secure two wins in their three meetings last season, a glimmer of hope as they head to TD Garden in Boston.
Projected Lineups
Both teams will look to their projected starters to fill the gaps left by injured players:
Pacers
G Andrew Nembhard
G Quenton Jackson
C Jay Huff
F Bennedict Mathurin
F Pascal Siakam
Celtics
G Payton Pritchard
G Derrick White
C Neeimas Queta
F Jaylen Brown
F Jordan Walsh
Game Information
Date and Time: Monday, December 22 at 7:30 p.m. EST
Location: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Broadcast: FanDuel Sports Network Indiana, NBC Sports Boston
Radio: 93.5 FM/107.5 FM The Fan (Indiana), 98.5 FM The Sports Hub (Boston)
Betting Lines
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the odds favor the Celtics significantly, with a spread of Pacers +10.5 and a moneyline of Pacers +370, Celtics -480. The total points scored is set at 225.5, reflecting a cautious approach given the current injury woes.
Coach’s Perspective
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle addressed the challenges faced in recent games, noting, “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.”
Looking Ahead
As the Pacers navigate this injury crisis, the upcoming game against the Celtics will serve as a crucial test of their resilience and depth. With a mounting list of sidelined players, the team’s ability to adapt and perform will be paramount as they aim to turn their season around.
