If you’ve been watching the Eastern Conference lately, you know that a Celtics vs Indiana Pacers matchup isn't just another date on the calendar. It’s a clash of identities. On one side, you have the Boston Celtics—a perennial powerhouse trying to navigate a season defined by "what if" injuries. On the other, the Indiana Pacers, who have spent most of the 2025-26 season clawing their way out of the basement.
Honestly, the January 12th game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse felt like a fever dream.
The Pacers entered that night with the worst record in the league. They were 8-31. Nobody, and I mean nobody, expected them to take down a Celtics team that, despite missing its biggest stars, still looks like a title contender on paper. But that’s the thing about this rivalry. Logic usually takes a backseat to whoever wants it more in the paint.
The Siakam Bank Shot That Stunned Boston
The headline from their most recent meeting is Pascal Siakam. With just 6.1 seconds left and the game knotted at 96-all, Siakam pump-faked, stepped into the lane, and lofted a 7-foot bank shot that looked like it took an hour to drop. It went in.
Pacers win, 98-96.
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This wasn't just a lucky shot; it was a statement. Indiana had been struggling to find any sort of rhythm, but that win secured their first three-game winning streak of the season. For a team missing Tyrese Haliburton, who is out for the entire 2025-26 season with a torn Achilles, these moments are everything.
Boston had their chances. Derrick White, who has been carrying a massive load with the stars out, missed a go-ahead triple at the buzzer. It was a heartbreaker for a Celtics team that is currently sitting 3rd in the East at 24-15 but clearly feels the absence of their "Two Jays."
Why the Celtics Are Playing Short-Handed
If you’re wondering why the score was so low (98-96 in 2026 is basically a 1990s score), look at the injury report. It’s a mess.
- Jayson Tatum hasn't played all season. He’s recovering from a torn Achilles of his own, and while Shams Charania reported back in October that he hasn't been officially ruled out for the year, the Celtics are being incredibly cautious.
- Jaylen Brown sat out the January 12th game with lower back spasms. To make matters worse, he was hit with a $35,000 fine from the league earlier that same day for criticizing the officials.
- Kristaps Porzingis is also out with Achilles tendinitis.
Basically, the Celtics are playing with a skeleton crew of their usual self. This has forced Payton Pritchard into a starring role. He actually led Boston with 23 points and 8 assists in that loss to Indy. It's cool to see Pritchard get his flowers, but the Celtics aren't winning a Ring with him as the primary scoring option.
The Pacers’ Underdog Identity
Most people look at Indiana's 9-31 record and assume they’re tanking. If you watch them, though, you see a different story. Coach Rick Carlisle has them playing hard, especially the "new" guys.
Jay Huff has been a revelation. He put up 20 points against Boston, including four shots from deep. When you combine Huff’s spacing with Siakam’s veteran savvy, you get a team that is much tougher to beat than their record suggests.
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The Pacers are also missing Bennedict Mathurin (thumb) and Obi Toppin (foot surgery), so it’s not like they’re at full strength either. This rivalry right now is basically a battle of who has the more functional "next man up" philosophy.
What the Stats Actually Tell Us
When you look at the head-to-head record for the 2025-26 season, Boston actually leads 2-1. Before that January upset, the Celtics had handled Indiana twice in December, including a 140-122 blowout where they looked untouchable.
But the underlying numbers show where the Pacers can hurt them. Indiana is surprisingly efficient at drawing fouls against opposing point guards. Even with their stars out, the Pacers' physical play in the paint (averaging over 45 points in the paint per game) forces teams like Boston to defend without fouling, which is hard to do when your defensive anchor (Porzingis) is in street clothes.
On the flip side, Boston remains the best three-point shooting team in the league. They average nearly 16 makes per game from behind the arc. Even in the loss, they took 38 threes. It's their identity. Live by the three, die by the three.
What Really Matters for the Next Matchup
The next time these two meet, keep an eye on the Derrick White vs. Andrew Nembhard matchup. With the primary stars out, these two become the engines. White is averaging a career-high 18.6 points this season, while Nembhard has stepped up as Indiana's primary playmaker in Haliburton's absence.
Also, watch the glass. Neemias Queta has been a monster for Boston, averaging over 8 rebounds and giving them a physical presence they desperately need. If Indiana can't keep Queta off the offensive boards, Boston's "extra possessions" usually turn into open threes.
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Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
- Watch the Injury Reports: In 2026, the Celtics are a completely different team depending on if Jaylen Brown is active. If he's out, the Under is almost always the play.
- Pacers at Home: Indiana plays significantly better at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. They are a "trap" team for elite squads traveling on the second half of a back-to-back.
- The Pritchard Factor: Payton Pritchard’s points-over prop has been a gold mine with Tatum and Brown sidelined. He has the ultimate green light right now.
- Focus on the Paint: If Siakam is getting to his spots in the midrange and bank-shot territory, Indiana stays competitive. If Boston forces him into being a three-point shooter, Indiana loses.
This rivalry might not have the "star power" it had two years ago because of the injury bug, but the intensity hasn't dipped a bit. Whether it’s a January basement-dweller upset or a playoff preview, Celtics vs Indiana Pacers always delivers something weird and memorable.