Boston CelticsOpen full analysis
Indiana PacersOpen full analysis
The Indiana Pacers edged the Boston Celtics 98–96 on January 12 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in a defensive struggle that fell well short of the Vegas total of 227.5 points. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 21 points, while Jrue Huff added 20, and the Pacers' three-point shooting proved decisive—they made 16 threes on 46.4% field-goal efficiency compared to Boston's 9 threes on 45.5% accuracy. The Celtics' Payton Pritchard paced the visitors with 23 points, and Derrick White contributed 18, but Boston's 46 rebounds and 22 assists couldn't overcome Indiana's balanced offensive attack and 29 assists. The second quarter proved pivotal, with Indiana outscoring Boston 34–32 to establish control; the Celtics' fourth-quarter collapse (19 points) mirrored Indiana's fourth-quarter flatness (19 points), but the Pacers' earlier cushion held. Boston's nine steals and aggressive defense (105.8 defensive rating) came up just short, while Indiana's 105.8 offensive rating and eight steals showcased their efficiency. The result marks a significant road loss for the Celtics as both teams jockey for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.
