Injury Woes Dominate Celtics-Pacers NBA Showdown on January 12, 2026
The Boston Celtics travel to face the Indiana Pacers on Monday, January 12, 2026. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Both teams enter this contest with significant injury concerns that will heavily influence rotations and game strategy.
Pacers Grapple with Major Absences Including Haliburton
The Indiana Pacers face a daunting challenge without their star guard, Tyrese Haliburton. He suffered a season-ending ACL tear. The team also misses Isaiah Jackson due to a concussion. Bennedict Mathurin remains sidelined with a thumb injury, and Obi Toppin is out with a foot problem.
Andrew Nembhard carries a questionable tag because of back soreness. With these key players unavailable, the offensive burden falls squarely on Pascal Siakam. He must lead the scoring and playmaking for Indiana.
Celtics Navigate Injuries to Tatum and Brown
The Boston Celtics continue to adjust without their superstar, Jayson Tatum. He is recovering from an Achilles injury. Josh Minott is out with an ankle issue. More uncertainty surrounds Jaylen Brown, who is listed as questionable or doubtful with lower back soreness.
Sam Hauser is also uncertain due to a hamstring problem. These absences force other players like Derrick White into larger roles. White has stepped up, averaging 20.1 points and 5.1 assists per game.
Broadcast Details and How to Watch
Fans can catch the game on regional sports networks. NBC Sports Boston will air it in the Celtics market. The FanDuel Sports Network Indiana covers the Pacers region. Radio listeners can tune to 98.5 FM The Sports Hub in Boston or 93.5/107.5 FM The Fan in Indiana.
For viewers outside local markets, streaming options include ESPN+, NBA League Pass, and Fubo. These platforms provide national access to the matchup.
Team Records and Statistical Outlook
The Boston Celtics hold a 24-14 record entering this game. Their contests frequently feature high scoring, with 22 of 38 games exceeding 225.5 total points. If Brown plays, he contributes 27.8 points and 6.4 rebounds on average.
The Indiana Pacers sit near a 15-23 record. Pascal Siakam leads the team with 23.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Andrew Nembhard, when available, adds 17.6 points and seven assists. Pacers games have also gone over 225.5 points in 22 of 39 outings.
Key Matchups and Game Dynamics
With Tatum and Haliburton absent, the spotlight shifts to other players. The potential duel between Pascal Siakam and Jaylen Brown, if Brown is cleared, becomes critical. Derrick White's perimeter defense could be vital against a possibly limited Andrew Nembhard.
Myles Turner, if active, will challenge Boston's short-handed frontcourt. Both teams prefer a fast-paced style, which suggests a high-scoring affair. Execution in the fourth quarter and defensive discipline will likely decide the outcome.
Prediction for the Game
Given the injury situations and home-court advantage, the Indiana Pacers are favored in a close contest. Expect a final score around 118-114 in favor of Indiana. Pascal Siakam's scoring and Boston's ongoing adjustment without Tatum will be the defining factors.
