Just two days after getting destroyed by the reigning champion Boston Celtics, the Indiana Pacers will look to bounce back and exact their revenge on them once again.
After Boston took care of business against the Pacers in an Eastern Conference Finals rematch on Friday, the two teams are now each 1-1 in the season series. And barring another playoff matchup, this is the final time these two teams will go head-to-head this season.
Ahead of tonight's rubber match, here is the full injury report for the Pacers and Celtics.
12/29 Pacers injury report vs. Celtics
- Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) - OUT
- Aaron Nesmith (ankle) - OUT
- Obi Toppin (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
- James Wiseman (Achilles) - OUT
After missing the team's last game against the Celtics due to an ankle injury, Obi Toppin has been upgraded to questionable. If he can make his return tonight, it will provide the Pacers a huge boost to the second unit against one of the top teams in the league. On the other hand, if Toppin cannot suit up, the Pacers will rely more heavily on players like Jarace Walker.
Aaron Nesmith, who has not suited up since November 1, will officially miss tonight's game against his former team. Though the Pacers have started to turn things around, they will not be fully geared up until Nesmith makes his return. For now, the Pacers will continue to start Bennedict Mathurin in his place.
12/29 Celtics injury report vs. Pacers
- Jrue Holiday (shoulder) - QUESTIONABLE
- Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) - OUT
Jrue Holiday has missed each of Boston's last two games, including their Christmas Day loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, and is listed as questionable again due to a shoulder injury. Though he is having a bit of a down year so far, Holiday plays an essential role on the Celtics. Having him on the sidelines is a major obstacle for the team to overcome.
The Celtics were without Kristaps Porzingis against Indiana after tweaking his ankle against the 76ers and is officially out against the Pacers tonight. Given how dominant the Celtics were against Indiana on Friday, it makes sense for them to play it as safe as possible and keep Porzingis out for now.
Projected starting lineups
Indiana Pacers
PG: Tyrese Haliburton
SG: Andrew Nembhard
SF: Bennedict Mathurin
PF: Pascal Siakam
C: Myles Turner
Boston Celtics
PG: Derrick White
SG: Jaylen Brown
SF: Sam Hauser
PF: Jayson Tatum
C: Al Horford