3 Opponents we'd like to see the Pacers open the 2024-25 season against

May 27, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) push each other away to intercept the ball during the second quarter during game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

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2. Boston Celtics

What better way to start next season than to get revenge on the team that ended their NBA Finals hopes just a few months ago? In May, the Boston Celtics defeated the Pacers in a four-game sweep in the Eastern Conference Finals. Although the Pacers could not steal a game against the eventual champions, the series was much closer than the record shows.

Three of Indiana's four losses in the series were decided by five or fewer points. Additionally, on paper, Indiana matches up very well against the Celtics.

Last season, the Pacers had the second-best ORTG in the league, only behind Boston. On the flip side, the Celtics had the second-best DRTG in the NBA, only trailing the Minnesota Timberwolves.

What makes the Celtics elite is how balanced and versatile they are on both sides of the court. However, the Pacers have a team built to compete with the Celtics due to their style of play.

An Eastern Conference Finals rematch to start next season, especially since it is against the team looking to defend their title, would not only be entertaining to watch, but it would also be a good measure of where the Pacers stack in the conference.